What designation did the F-104 receive in the Spanish Air…

What designation did the F-104 receive in the Spanish Air Force?

Short answer

The 21 Spanish Starfighters received the classification identity C.8 and CE.8. They came from the Military Assistance Program: 18 F-104Gs built by Canadair and three TF-104Gs from Lockheed, delivered in 1965. They were formally retired in May 1972, replaced by the F-4C Phantom.

Published: October 31, 2026 · Updated: October 31, 2026 · Edited by Above Ten Thousand · Editorial policy

What designation did the F-104 receive in the Spanish Air Force?

F-104 right side view

Twenty-one aircraft arriving in three batches

The Spanish Air Force received its Starfighters through the Military Assistance Program: 18 F-104Gs built by Canadair and three TF-104Gs from Lockheed, delivered to Spain in 1965. Those 21 aircraft were given the Spanish classification identity C.8 and CE.8. Delivery was split into three batches: on 15 January 1965 five F-104Gs and two TF-104Gs arrived; on 6 June 1965, thirteen F-104Gs; and on 5 January 1966, one TF-104G bought by Spain.

Seven years across several squadrons

The type served with Escuadrón 61 (Ala 6) from February to April 1965, with Escuadrón 161 (Ala 16) until 29 November 1967, with Escuadrón 104 (independent) until 27 May 1971, with Escuadrón 104 (Ala 12) until 31 May 1971, and with Escuadrón 122 (Ala 12) until 31 May 1972. In Spain the aircraft was used solely in its intended interceptor role, mostly in very good weather.

Replaced by the Phantom

The C.8s and CE.8s were formally retired from service in May 1972, when the F-4C Phantom arrived. The aircraft were transferred to Greece and Turkey after being replaced by F-4 Phantoms in 1972. In their seven years of service they did not suffer a single accident, and no aircraft was lost in 17,000 hours of operational use.