NH90 helicopters in Spain | Photo: Airbus Helicopters
Spain has ordered 100 helicopters from Airbus under four separate contracts placed through the Ministry of Defence’s Directorate General for Armament and Material (DGAM), the ministry announced on December 18. The orders are part of the National Helicopter Plan unveiled in May and represent the largest helicopter procurement carried out by the DGAM to date.
The contracts cover four helicopter models intended for use across the Spanish Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force. According to the ministry, the purchases are aimed at renewing ageing fleets and standardising rotary-wing platforms across the armed forces.
Under the agreement, Spain will acquire 13 H135 helicopters, with 12 allocated to the Air and Space Force and one to the Navy. These aircraft will be used for advanced pilot training, light utility roles, and observation missions.
Infographic: Airbus Helicopters
The Spanish Army will receive 50 H145M helicopters. These aircraft are intended for pilot training, light attack missions using the HForce system, light utility tasks, and disaster relief operations.
The order also includes six H175M super-medium helicopters for the Air and Space Force. These helicopters will be used for governmental transport missions and will replace older aircraft currently operated by Wing 48.
In addition, Spain will procure 31 NH90 helicopters. Of these, 13 are designated for the Army, 12 for the Air and Space Force, and six for the Navy. The NH90s will be used for tactical transport, manoeuvre, special operations, and amphibious warfare support.
On Friday, the third of 07 NH90 helicopters was delivered to the Spanish Navy’s 14 Squadron | Photo: Spanish Navy
“By formalising these contracts, the Ministry of Defence fulfills its commitment to provide our Armed Forces with the latest generation of helicopters that are essential for their operations,” said María Amparo Valcarce García, Secretary of State for Defence. “This investment is strategic and is focused on significantly increasing Spain’s security and defence capabilities, ensuring national strategic autonomy in a key sector of European defence.”
Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even said, “This award is the tangible realisation of the National Helicopter Plan and the programmes included represent a qualitative shift in the capabilities of the Armed Forces. We are proud to be strengthening Spain’s national defence and security resilience.” He added that the contracts would also expand Airbus Helicopters’ industrial presence in Spain.
The ministry said the programme is expected to generate more than 300 direct jobs over the next three years, alongside new facilities in Albacete for helicopter customisation, training, and digital development.
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