Aug 9 2021

Video: A Spanish fighter pilot's determination

For Spanish Air Force Captain Antonio Cifuentes, the power of flight wasn't something given – it was something earned, sometimes with trepidation. In his years of service since, he's never regretted learning to fly the F/A-18 Hornet, which he calls una bestia – his "beast" of an aircraft. 

Deployed to Lithuania as part of NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission in May 2020, Cifuentes talks about the challenge and pleasure of flying.  

To safeguard against COVID-19, videographers were tested prior to filming, wore masks and practice social distancing wherever possible. Footage includes an interview with Captain Cifuentes and shots of Spanish Air Force F/A-18 Hornet fighters, including those piloted by Captain Cifuentes, flying from Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania.

Video by NATO HQ