Spain has ordered a total of 100 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters via the General Directorate of Armaments and Material (DGAM) of the Ministry of Defense. Airbus Helicopters through Airbus Helicopters. The four contracts, which were concluded as part of the “National Helicopter Plan” announced in May, are intended to significantly advance the modernization of Spain’s defence and security capabilities.
This is the DGAM’s largest helicopter procurement to date. The contracts cover four different types for all three branches of the Spanish armed forces. Specifically, the programs include:
- 13 H135s: 12 of them for the Spanish Air and Space Force and one for the Navy. The helicopters are intended for advanced pilot training, light support tasks and observation missions.
- 50 H145Ms: All of the aircraft will go to the Spanish army (FAMET). The range of missions includes military pilot training, light combat missions (equipped with the HForce weapon system to complement the Tiger combat helicopter), light transport missions and civil protection missions.
- 6 H175M: For the Spanish Air and Space Force. The super-medium utility helicopters are to be used for state missions, including the transportation of government and state representatives. They are replacing obsolete Ala 48 models.
- 31 NH90s: 13 for the army, 12 for the air and space force and six for the navy. The NH90s are intended for tactical air transport, maneuver and special operations and also complete the Navy’s amphibious helicopter fleet.
“With the formal award of these contracts, the Ministry of Defense is fulfilling its promise to equip our armed forces with the latest generation of helicopters, which are essential for their missions,” explained María Amparo Valcarce García, Secretary of State for Defense. This is a strategic investment that aims to significantly strengthen Spain’s security and defense capabilities while ensuring national strategic autonomy in a key area of European defense.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, also spoke of a milestone: “This award is the concrete implementation of the National Helicopter Plan. The programs included represent a qualitative leap in the capabilities of the Spanish armed forces.” At the same time, the project strengthens Airbus Helicopters’ industrial presence in Spain and positions the country as a reference location within the European aviation industry.
Industrial impact and expansion of the Albacete site
In addition to strengthening Airbus Helicopters’ existing industrial capabilities in Spain, the program is also expected to create over 300 highly skilled jobs over the next three years. The Albacete site will be further developed, including a new military helicopter adaptation center and an international training center for H145M pilots and technicians. These facilities will complement the facilities already under construction for the mid-life upgrade of the Tiger combat helicopter.
At the same time, Airbus Helicopters is planning to develop the Albacete site into a center of excellence for digital capabilities. In collaboration with the University of Albacete and the Science and Technology Park of Castilla-La Mancha, a Digital Campus is being created that will specialize in the development of digital tools and cybersecurity solutions for Airbus Helicopters. In addition, the areas of support engineering, software development, connectivity and maintenance for the Spanish armed forces’ military helicopters are to be strengthened in a targeted manner.
Here for more news about Airbus Defense and Space and here to further news about the Spanish armed forces.
