Tragedy in the Skies: Spanish F-18 Crash Claims Pilot's Life

Lieutenant Colonel Pablo Estrada Martin, pilot of an F-18 Hornet, was confirmed dead following a crash near Teruel, Spain. The Spanish Air Force operates F-18s and Eurofighter Typhoons, deploying them to the Baltic states and Romania for European airspace policing duties.

In a tragic incident, Spain's Air Force confirmed the death of Lieutenant Colonel Pablo Estrada Martin, pilot of an F-18 Hornet fighter jet, after the aircraft crashed near the northeastern city of Teruel on Friday.

The Air Force shared the somber news on X, expressing regret over the loss of an esteemed colleague. Spain's military fleet consists of the U.S.-made F-18 Hornet and the Eurofighter Typhoon, which are pivotal in regional security missions.

Spain has deployed these fighter jets to the Baltic states and Romania as part of efforts to aid in securing Europe's skies, highlighting the critical role these aircraft play in international defense collaborations.

(With inputs from agencies.)