Javier Salto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Javier Salto Martínez-Avial
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| Born | 10 December 1955 |
| Allegiance |  Spain |
| Service/ |
 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 was born in Madrid, Spain, on December 15, 1955. He is a Spanish general who worked for the Spanish Air and Space Force. From April 1, 2017, to July 23, 2024, he was the Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Force. He held this important job 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 fighter and attack pilot. He also trained in many other areas. These include being an advanced air traffic controller, helping with air support, and ensuring flight safety. He also learned about managing large logistics, interpreting photos, and supplies. He was an instructor pilot for the 462 Mirage F1 Fighter Squadron. He also earned a special diploma for general staff studies in the United States.
Becoming an Air Force Leader
Javier 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.
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. He did this until 1993. After that, he worked at the General Staff of the Canary Islands Air Command Headquarters. This was after his studies in the United States were officially recognized in Spain.
In 1996, Salto worked at the NATO Headquarters in Naples for six months. The next year, he moved to Munich, Germany. He worked for the NATO Agency that manages the Eurofighter and Tornado jets. His job was to be an expert on how the Eurofighter 2000 program worked. Three years later, he joined the Eurofighter 2000 Program Office. This office was part of the Air Force Logistics Support Command.
Leading Air Force Units
In 2003, Salto became a Colonel. He was given command of Wing 11. This unit was part of the Combat Air Command. He was also in charge of the base where this unit was located. This base was in Arahal, near Seville. Colonel Salto was responsible for the Eurofighter 2000 jets there.
From 2006 to 2008, he was the Director of Operations. This was for the NATO Combined Air Operations Centre No. 8. It was located at Torrejón de Ardoz Air Base. In 2008, he became a Brigadier General. He then took charge of the Material Management Sub-Directorate. The next year, he became the head of the Eurofighter 2000 Program. He also represented Spain on the International Committee of Directors for this program. He even became its Chairman.
In 2011, Salto was promoted to Division General. He became the head of the Weapons Systems Directorate. This was also part of the Air Force Logistics Support Command. He continued to represent Spain on important committees. These included the International Steering Committee of the Eurofighter 2000 Program. He also served on the Steering Committee of the A400 Program. In 2012, he took charge of the Canary Islands Air Command Headquarters. Three years later, as a Lieutenant General, he became the Director of the Technical Cabinet. This was for the Minister of Defence.
On April 1, 2017, Javier Salto was promoted to Air General. He took command of the Air Force on April 3. He was replaced by General Francisco Braco Carbó on July 23, 2024. General Salto served for more than seven years. This 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
Here is a list of the different ranks Javier Salto held during his career:
- 1973: Entered the 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
