One of the world´s biggest military aircraft, the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy, overflew Mallorca over weekend within hours of the attack by the U.S. and Israel on Iran.The U.S. aircraft was flying from Italy to a U.S. base on the Spanish mainland.
U.S. military aircraft have increased their activity in Spanish airspace over recent days. Over the weekend four U.S. B2 bombers, returning from a mission over Iran, flew close to Balearic airspace and were in contact with Malaga air traffic control.
The C-5 Galaxy's development was complicated, including significant cost overruns, and Lockheed suffered significant financial difficulties. Shortly after entering service, cracks in the wings of many aircraft were discovered and the C-5 fleet was initially restricted in capability until corrective work was completed.
The USAF has been operating the C-5 since 1969. In that time, the airlifter supported US military operations in all major conflicts including Vietnam, Iraq, Yugoslavia, and Afghanistan, as well as allied support, such as Israel during the Yom Kippur War and operations in the Gulf War. The Galaxy has also distributed humanitarian aid, provided disaster relief, and supported the US space program.
Over the last few weeks other U.S. military transport aircraft have been using local airspace including the veteran C130 Hercules.