The FACA program (Future Fighter and Attack Aircraft) was once the
largest investment in armaments made in Spain. When choosing the F-18 of
McDonnell Douglas (today Boeing), the Air Force has had since 1986 - for
the first time in its history - one of the most advanced fighter planes
ever designed, with very wide possibilities for adapting new systems
throughout its operational life, as evidenced by the Retrofit made in
the early 1990s and the current MLU.
The FACA program (which ultimately remained in 72 aircraft), followed by
the CX program (for 24 aircraft), was the most important challenge faced
by the Spanish Air Force since its creation. The professionalism
demonstrated by the commission in charge of flight and technical
evaluations won the admiration of the countries involved in the
program.
The F-18 Hornet has proven to be the ideal aircraft for air forces in
countries with large territorial areas and wide coastlines or extreme
weather conditions.