Ala 12: Guardians of the Sky with the EF-18 Hornet

The Ala 12 from Torrejón Air Base operates exclusively with the EF-18 Hornet fighter jet, playing a crucial role in national air defense and international NATO missions.

Motto: NO LE BUSQUES TRES PIES...

Main Missions

Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) Service: Operational 24/7/365, it provides armed aircraft ready to take off in minutes to intercept, identify, and intervene with aircraft in flight.

National and International Operations: Provides force elements prepared for MACOM operations, both national and under the protection of NATO.

EF-18 Multi-Role Capability

• Air-to-air missions: Air superiority
• Air-to-ground missions: Attack of ground targets
• Tactical reconnaissance: The only unit in the Air Force with RecceLite equipment

Official Collection

Patches, t-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, and merchandise from Ala 12 and its squadrons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Ala 12?

Ala 12 is a fighter unit of the Spanish Air and Space Force based at Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base (Madrid). It operates exclusively with the multi-role EF-18 Hornet fighter jet and is responsible for national air defense, 24/7 QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) missions, and international NATO operations.

Where is Torrejón Air Base located?

Torrejón Air Base is located in Torrejón de Ardoz, about 20 kilometers east of Madrid, Spain. It is one of the most important air bases of the Spanish Air Force and home to Ala 12.

What aircraft does Ala 12 operate?

Ala 12 operates the EF-18 Hornet (also known as F/A-18 Hornet), an American-made multi-role fighter jet capable of performing air superiority, ground attack, and tactical reconnaissance missions. Ala 12 is the only unit in the Air Force equipped with the RecceLite reconnaissance system.

Are these official Ala 12 products?

Yes, all our products in the Ala 12 collection are official and authorized designs that pay tribute to this emblematic unit of the Spanish Air Force. They include embroidered patches, t-shirts, jackets, sweatshirts, and high-quality merchandise with the official emblems of Ala 12 and its squadrons (121, 122, and 123).

What do Squadrons 121, 122, and 123 mean?

Ala 12 is composed of three flight squadrons: Squadron 121 "Poker", Squadron 122 "Tennis", and Squadron 123. Each squadron has its own distinctive emblem and traditions, and all operate the EF-18 Hornet from Torrejón Air Base.

What is Ala 12's QRA service?

QRA (Quick Reaction Alert) is the quick alert service maintained by Ala 12 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It consists of having armed EF-18 Hornet fighter jets ready to take off in a matter of minutes to intercept and identify unidentified aircraft entering Spanish airspace.

What is the "Cat" of Ala 12?

The "Cat" is the distinctive emblem of Ala 12, a feline that symbolizes the unit's agility, precision, and night hunting capability. It is one of the most recognizable symbols of Spanish military aviation and appears on many of our merchandise products.

Do you ship throughout Spain?

Yes, we ship throughout Spain and also to other European countries. All our products in the Ala 12 collection are available for national and international shipping.