Ala 35

Ala 35
Unit name	Ala 35
Native name	Ala 35
Country	Spain
Branch	Spanish Air and Space Force
Role	Air transport
Garrison	Zaragoza Air Base
Motto	"Siempre en vuelo"
Aircraft transport	CASA CN-235, C-295

Ala 35 is a transport wing of the Spanish Air and Space Force based at Zaragoza Air Base. It performs tactical and strategic airlift, aeromedical evacuation, humanitarian assistance, and support for NATO and European Union operations. The wing has participated in deployments alongside United Nations missions, operations in the Balkans, and multinational exercises with United States Air Force, Royal Air Force, and French Air and Space Force units.

History

Ala 35 traces its origins to post‑World War II reorganisation within the Spanish Air Force that sought to modernise transport capabilities during the Cold War era dominated by NATO strategic planning and the influence of the United States Department of Defense. During the 1970s and 1980s the unit integrated Western transport types aligned with procurement programmes led by Ministerio de Defensa (España) and procurement contacts with Casa (company). In the 1990s Ala 35 contributed airlift to operations in the Bosnian War and supported the Spanish contribution to Operation Enduring Freedom logistics through coordination with NATO Allied Command Operations and ISAF. Upgrades in the 2000s and 2010s saw the wing reequipment and interoperability training with European Defence Agency initiatives and bilateral exercises with the Italian Air Force, Portuguese Air Force, and Belgian Armed Forces.

Organisation and structure

Ala 35 is organised under the command of the Air Force Logistic Command (Spain) with subordinate squadrons and support elements at Zaragoza Air Base. Its principal flying unit is the 351 Squadron and 352 Squadron, augmented by a technical maintenance group linked to the Ejército del Aire logistics chain and the Ministry of Defence (Spain) materiel directorate. Liaison and coordination cells maintain links with NATO HQ SACT, European Union Military Staff, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff (Spain). The wing’s command structure integrates operations, maintenance, logistics, and safety branches following doctrines promulgated by the Spanish Joint Chiefs of Staff and interoperability standards from NATO Standardization Office.

Aircraft and equipment

The wing operates tactical transport aircraft including variants of the CASA CN-235 and the EADS CASA C-295 procured under national acquisition programmes with Indra Sistemas and Airbus Defence and Space. Auxiliary equipment includes aeromedical modules interoperable with International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement standards, tactical loading systems compatible with M1 Abrams and Leclerc logistical profiles, and avionics suites conforming to ICAO and Eurocontrol guidelines. Ground support assets encompass refuelling trucks, maintenance shelters from suppliers such as SENER and AENA, and mission-planning systems integrated with SATCOM provided by partners including Hisdesat.

Missions and operations

Ala 35 conducts aeromedical evacuation sorties supporting the Spanish contingent in Lebanon under UNIFIL, strategic airlift for humanitarian relief in the aftermath of earthquakes in Morocco and floods in Portugal, and tactical resupply missions during multinational exercises like Trident Juncture and Steadfast Jazz. The wing has flown logistic support missions to Spanish contingents in Afghanistan for Operation ISAF and to African theatres coordinated with African Union partners and EUTM training missions. Domestic missions include firefighting support coordination with the Spanish Ministry of Interior and disaster relief in cooperation with Protección Civil and regional authorities such as the Government of Aragón.

Training and personnel

Personnel training follows curricula accredited by the Spanish Air and Space Force Academy and incorporates multinational courses at NATO Allied Air Command facilities and exchanges with the United States Air Force Air Mobility Command and the Royal Netherlands Air Force. Aircrew undergo type conversion on the CN-235 and C-295 supported by maintenance certification from AESA-regulated programmes and simulator training supplied by Airbus Defence and Space partners. Ground crew receive logistics and humanitarian operations instruction linked to UN OCHA guidelines and domestic civil protection exercises with entities including Cruz Roja Española.

Bases and facilities

Primary basing is at Zaragoza Air Base with forward operating capabilities at Getafe Air Base, Torrejón Air Base, and contingency access to Seville Airport military aprons. Maintenance is performed at on‑base workshops and at contracted facilities operated by Airbus Military Services and national contractors in coordination with the Departamento de Logística of the Ministry of Defence. Infrastructure upgrades in the 21st century improved hangar capacity, instrument landing systems certified by AENA, and airfield security in cooperation with Unidad Militar de Emergencias for rapid deployment.

Insignia and traditions

Ala 35 emblematic insignia features heraldic elements referencing the city of Zaragoza and historical motifs from the Spanish Civil War transport units, displayed on aircraft nose art and squadron standards presented under protocol from the Spanish Royal House. Traditions include annual commemorations tied to the wing’s founding day and participation in national events such as Día de las Fuerzas Armadas and public airshows like the Feria Internacional de Defensa y Seguridad. The unit maintains alliances with veteran associations including the Asociación Española de Militares and contributes to academic collaborations with the University of Zaragoza.

Category:Spanish Air and Space Force units