What exactly is the current military threat to Spain? Other than prestige, why do they need a carrier?
Mostly, former glory. I don’t know if the Canary Islands, and a few islands in the Med. justify their Navy from their pov. I expect more countries to cut back, while we maintain their security on our dime.
Prestige is enough of a reason, actually. But no nation can for long project military power and support millions of deadbeats, both at the same time.
It's one or the other. Spain has made its choice. America will make that same choice soon, I fear.