Javier Salto facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Javier Salto Martínez-Avial
Born	(1955-12-10) 10 December 1955 (age 69)
Allegiance	Spain
Service/branch	Spanish Air and Space Force
Rank	General of the Air
Commands held	Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Force (Spain)
Awards	Order of Merit of the Guardia Civil

Javier Salto Martínez-Avial, born in Madrid on December 15, 1955, is a Spanish general. He was a very important leader in the Spanish Air and Space Force. From April 1, 2017, to July 23, 2024, he served as the Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Force. He held this position for over seven years. This made him the longest-serving chief of staff since General Francisco Fernández-Longoria González, who served from 1945 to 1958.

General Salto is a skilled pilot who flew fighter and attack planes. He also received special training as an air traffic controller. This training helped him guide planes safely. He learned about air support, flight safety, and managing large supplies. He was also an instructor pilot for the 462 Mirage F1 Fighter Squadron. He studied at the General Staff in the United States, and his training was recognized in Spain.

Becoming an Air Force Leader

General Salto joined the Air Force in 1974. He was part of the 30th group of students at the General Air Academy. In 1978, he became a lieutenant. He finished his training as a war pilot at the School of Reactors.

Early Flying Assignments

His first job as a pilot was with the 464 Squadron. This unit was based at Gando Air Base. There, he flew F-5A fighter jets. In 1981, he moved to the 462 Squadron at the same base. He flew Mirage F1 fighters and taught other pilots until 1993. After his studies in the United States, he worked at the General Staff of the Canary Islands Air Command Headquarters.

Working with NATO

In 1996, General Salto worked at the NATO Headquarters in Naples for six months. The next year, he moved to NETMA in Munich. This agency manages the Eurofighter and Tornado planes. He was a specialist in how the Eurofighter 2000 Programme worked. Three years later, he joined the Eurofighter 2000 Programme Office. This office was part of the Air Force Logistics Support Command.

Leading Air Force Units

In 2003, Salto became a Colonel. He took command of Wing 11. This unit was in charge of combat air operations. He also led the base where this unit was located, near Arahal. He was responsible for the Eurofighter 2000 fighters there.

From 2006 to 2008, he was the Director of Operations for NATO's Combined Air Operations Centre No. 8. This center was at Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base. In 2008, he became a Brigadier General. He then managed the Material Management Sub-Directorate. The next year, he became the head of the Eurofighter 2000 Programme. He represented Spain on the International Committee of Directors for this program and later became its Chairman.

In 2011, he was promoted to Division General. He took charge of the Weapons Systems Directorate. He also represented Spain on the Eurofighter 2000 Programme's International Steering Committee. He was also on the Steering Committee for the A400 Programme. In 2012, he led the Canary Islands Air Command Headquarters. Three years later, as a Lieutenant General, he became the Director of the Technical Cabinet for the Minister of Defence.

Becoming Chief of Staff

On April 1, 2017, General Salto was given command of the Air Force. He was promoted to Air General and officially started his new role on April 3. He was replaced by General Francisco Braco Carbó on July 23, 2024. His more than seven years in office made him the longest-serving chief of staff since General Francisco Fernández-Longoria González.

General Salto is married and has three daughters. He is also a grandfather.

Ranks Held

• 1973: Joined General Air Academy
• 1977: Ensign
• 1978: Lieutenant
• 1988: Captain
• 1991: Commander
• 1998: Lieutenant Colonel
• 2003: Colonel
• 2008: Brigadier General
• 2011: Major General
• 2012: Lieutenant General
• 2017: Air General

See also

In Spanish: Javier Salto para niños