The publication on September 23 of Royal Decree 848/2045 brought important developments for the Spanish Armed Forces in the coming years. Among the most significant was the acquisition of up to 105 new utility and tactical helicopters to renew and expand the fleets in service, all of which will be manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
First, it is worth highlighting the expansion and strengthening of the current NH90 tactical helicopter fleet in service with the three branches of the military, through the Next-Generation Air Mobility Program (NH-90-3), which includes the acquisition of 32 new aircraft. These will complement the current fleet of 45 already on order and, with the delivery of the first MSPTs to the Spanish Navy, Airbus began the provision of the second batch of this initial order.
At the same time, and with a view to replacing the current HT.21A/HT.27 (Puma and Super Puma) operated by Squadrons 803 and 402 of Wing 48, the Air and Space Force arranged for their substitution through the purchase of six new H175Ms, becoming the first military operator of the platform through the Multipurpose Helicopter Program (HACES). The aircraft will fulfill transport, rescue, and search-and-rescue missions, but have also been used for the transportation of authorities, such as the King and members of the Royal Household, as well as government officials, including the president and vice president.
Following the delivery of the last H135s to the Spanish Armed and Security Forces just days ago, the Royal Decree also announced the expansion of this helicopter fleet, which is used for pilot training and instruction, as well as embarked operations from the Navy’s Offshore Patrol Vessels (BAM).
Designated as the H-135 Phase 2 – Training and Support Helicopter Program (H-135 Phase 2), it will include the acquisition of up to 13 new units, whose “…production, militarization…” will be carried out “…at AHE facilities in Albacete, with flight testing and delivery to the end user, as well as initial support and training to provide assistance throughout the entire life cycle.”
Finally, in order to reach the total of 105 new helicopters, the Multipurpose Light Helicopter Program (HELIPO) seeks to acquire 54 new aircraft to replace the current EC-135s, which have been in service since 2005, and whose purpose is “…to fill the capability gap between maneuver and attack platforms (NH90 and TIGER).”
However, unlike the other three helicopter programs mentioned, the Royal Decree does not specify the selection of a model. Nevertheless, given the confidence placed in Airbus Helicopters, it is presumed that the future replacement of the EC-135 will fall on the H145M produced by the European consortium, which is being adopted in its military variant both for transport and attack by an increasing number of military operators, the most recent being the German Armed Forces, which selected it as the future replacement for their Tiger attack helicopters.
Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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