Spain is ordering 100 Airbus helicopters through the General Directorate of Armament and Materials (DGAM) of the Ministry of Defense. These four contracts, included in the National Helicopter Plan announced in May, aim to promote the modernization of Spain’s defense and security resources.
The contracts, representing the largest helicopter purchase by the DGAM, include four different models for the three branches of the Spanish Armed Forces.
Helicopters Being Acquired
Specifically, the agreement includes the following programs:
- 13 H135 helicopters: 12 units for the Air and Space Army and 1 for the Navy. They will be used for advanced pilot training missions, light utility missions, and observation missions.
- 50 H145M helicopters: all for the Army (FAMET). Their missions include training military pilots, light attack (equipped with HForce, complementing the Tiger), light transport, and disaster rescue.
- 6 H175M helicopters: for the Air and Space Army. These super-medium utility helicopters will be used for governmental missions, including authority transport, replacing the obsolete fleets of Wing 48.
- 31 NH90 helicopters: 13 for FAMET, 12 for the Air and Space Army, and 6 for the Navy. Destined for tactical transport missions, maneuver and special operations, as well as complementing the Navy’s amphibious fleet.
“By formalizing these contracts, the Ministry of Defense respects its commitment to provide our Armed Forces with state-of-the-art helicopters, essential for their operations,” said María Amparo Valcarce García, Secretary of State for Defense. “This investment is strategic and aims to significantly increase Spain’s security and defense capabilities, ensuring national strategic autonomy in a key sector of European defense.”
“This allocation is the tangible realization of the National Helicopter Plan and the included programs represent a qualitative change in the capabilities of the Armed Forces. We are proud to strengthen the resilience of Spain’s national defense and security,” stated Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “Moreover, they consolidate and enhance Airbus Helicopters’ industrial presence in Spain, projecting the country as a reference pole of the European aeronautical industry,” he added.
Industrial Impact and Job Creation
In addition to strengthening Airbus Helicopters’ current industrial capabilities in Spain, this plan is expected to have a direct impact on the creation of highly qualified jobs, estimated at over 300 direct positions over the next three years. Albacete’s industrial presence will continue to grow with a new customization center for military helicopters and an international training center for H145M pilots and technicians. These developments will integrate the ongoing construction of facilities dedicated to the mid-life upgrading of the Tiger.
Simultaneously, Airbus Helicopters aims to transform its Albacete site into a Competence Center for digital capabilities. In this context, a Digital Campus is being developed in collaboration with Albacete University and the Science and Technology Park of Castilla Mancha, specializing in the creation of digital and cybersecurity tools for all Airbus helicopters.
Furthermore, they will strengthen the support engineering areas, software development, connectivity, and maintenance for the Spanish Armed Forces’ military helicopters.
Deliveries by Airbus Helicopters of the new helicopters to the Spanish Armed Forces are expected to begin from 2027.
Source and image credit @Airbus Helicopters
