Interessante post colocado no F-16.net
"F-16 vs F-18 in SPAIN
The Spanish Air Force preferred the F-16. The US Navy covertly pressured the Spanish Government to purchase the F-18 because this was one of the last countries in Europe left considering purchasing F-18s and the Navy wanted a European ally to be using F-18s so they could aid in staging, maintenance and deployment in potential wartime operations.
My father worked for General Dynamics and was a key person in the sales team for Spain. It was a great experience but ultimately very frustrating and disappointing. The Navy's alleged (I can offer no incontrovertible proof) actions in this matter were strictly illegal, but everyone looked the other way because, ultimately it was in the US's best interests to have an ally operating F-18s in Europe. They got a less capable (for their needs), more expensive (to purchase and to maintain), and more complex fighter system. I do know that the Spanish Test Pilot Team and Lead Officers were very disappointed with the decision."