Following what was reported last September and set out in Royal Decree 848/2045, the Government of Spain, through the Directorate General of Armament and Material (DGAM), has formalized a series of contracts with Airbus to finalize the purchase of one hundred (100) new helicopters to equip the Spanish Armed Forces. The information was confirmed hours ago by the European consortium itself, which also provided details on the number of aircraft to be allocated to the Army, the Air and Space Force, and the Spanish Navy.
First, it should be noted that the contract formalized between Spain and Airbus revises the total number of rotary-wing aircraft to be acquired, which was reduced from the 105 projected in September to 100. These correspond to the NH90, H135, H145M, and H175M tactical transport helicopter models, each with specific capabilities and roles.
H-135 Phase 2 Program – Training and Support Helicopter (H-135 Phase 2)
As part of the second phase of the program, which has already reached the milestone of delivering aircraft to Spain’s Armed Forces and Security Forces, a total of 13 new H135 helicopters will be acquired for the training and instruction of new pilots. Of these, 12 will be assigned to the Air and Space Force, while the remaining aircraft will go to the Spanish Navy, which also operates them embarked on its Maritime Action Ships (BAM).
Light Multipurpose Helicopter Program (HELIPO)
Intended to replace the current EC-135 helicopters in service since 2005, the Spanish Armed Forces will incorporate fifty (50) new H145M helicopters. All of them will be assigned to the Army’s Airmobile Forces (FAMET), filling the current capability gap between the NH90 and the Tiger attack helicopters.
Multipurpose Helicopter Program (HACES)
The six (6) H175M helicopters will be entirely allocated to replace the current HT.21A/HT.27 (Puma and Super Puma) helicopters operated by Squadrons 803 and 402 of Wing 48 of the Air and Space Force, which will in turn become the first military operator of this helicopter model.
These aircraft are expected to carry out transport missions for authorities such as the King and members of the Royal Household, as well as Spanish government officials, including the president and vice president.
Next-Generation Air Mobility Program (NH-90-3)
Finally, reviewing the number of units acquired, a total of thirty-one (31) new NH90 tactical helicopters will be incorporated and distributed among the three services as follows:
• Six (6) for the Spanish Navy
• Thirteen (13) for the Army
• Twelve (12) for the Air and Space Force
Official statements:
“By formalizing these contracts, the Ministry of Defense fulfills its commitment to provide our Armed Forces with next-generation helicopters, essential for their operations,” said María Amparo Valcarce García, Secretary of State for Defense. “This investment is strategic and aimed at significantly increasing Spain’s security and defense capabilities, ensuring national strategic autonomy in a key sector of European defense.”
“This award represents the tangible materialization of the National Helicopter Plan, and the programs included constitute a qualitative leap 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, adding: “They also consolidate and expand Airbus Helicopters’ industrial footprint in Spain, positioning the country as a reference hub within the European aerospace industry.”
You may also like: As tensions between Airbus and Dassault continue, Germany, France, and Spain seek to define the future of their sixth-generation fighter, the FCAS
