Under the clear skies over the Mar Menor and before a crowd of thousands, the Spanish Air and Space Force said farewell on Sunday to one of its most beloved symbols: the Eagle Patrol. The event, held during the Aire 25 Air Festival, marked the final flight of the aerobatic team’s iconic CASA C-101 aircraft and drew a host of dignitaries, including King Felipe VI, Defense Minister Margarita Robles, and regional leaders including Fernando López Miras and Isabel Díaz Ayuso.
Spectators filled the beaches of San Javier, Los Alcázares, and San Pedro del Pinatar from the early morning to secure prime viewing spots. Many arrived before sunrise, umbrellas in hand, to beat the congestion that overwhelmed access routes the day before. By the time the show began, the shores were lined with thousands of eager onlookers ready to witness history.
The Eagle Patrol, celebrating its 40th anniversary this weekend, has served as Spain’s aerial ambassador across the globe since its creation in 1985. But this anniversary also marks the end of an era. With the retirement of the aging C-101 jets, the patrol is being deactivated, at least temporarily, as it transitions to the newer Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, which have already replaced the C-101s in pilot training at the General Air Academy in San Javier.
“The C-101s demand enormous maintenance effort,” explained General Francisco Braco, Chief of Staff of the Air Force. “No matter how hard you work to keep them flying, time is inexorable.” Braco, who trained on the C-101 himself as part of the AGA’s 35th class, acknowledged the emotional weight of the farewell but expressed optimism about the future. “We are ready to embrace change. The Patrol will return when its new formation reaches the level of excellence the Águila name represents.”
The air show featured not only the final acrobatic display of the Eagle Patrol, but also a precision parachute jump by the Air Force’s Parachute Acrobatic Patrol (PAPEA). It was also joined by aerobatic patrols from Italy (Frecce Tricolori), France (Patrouille de France), Switzerland (Patruille Suisse), and Great Britain’s (Red Arrows)
Despite stepping down from active displays, the legacy of the Eagle Patrol endures. The Air and Space Force described the moment as the end of a chapter, not the story. “A symbol is not disappearing—it is closing an era that is now part of our history,” a spokesperson said. “The Eagle Patrol leaves behind a trail of pride, precision, and unwavering commitment to Spain.”
As the final red and yellow smoke trails faded into the horizon, the thousands watching from the sand knew they had witnessed more than just a flight, they had seen the graceful close of a proud Spanish legacy in the skies.
On Saturday King Felipe took to the skies himself with a flight in a Pilatus PC-21 (designated E-27). He was accompanied by Commander Alberto Guzmán Fernández, head of the 792 Squadron. During the flight, the King took the controls and was able to experience the aircraft’s impressive manoeuvrability and versatility first hand.
