Spanish Ministry of Defense orders 100 Airbus helicopters

Spain is placing orders for 100 Airbus helicopters through the Directorate General for Armament and Material (DGAM) of the Ministry of Defense. These four contracts, framed within the National Helicopter Plan announced in May, aim to boost the modernization of Spain’s defense and security assets.

The contracts, which represent the largest helicopter purchase by the DGAM, include four different models for the three branches of the Spanish armed forces. Specifically, the agreement includes the following programs:

• 13 H135 helicopters: 12 units for the Spanish Air and Space Force and one for the Navy. They will be used for advanced pilot training, light utility, and observation missions
• 50 H145M helicopters: all for the Spanish Army (FAMET). Their missions cover military pilot training, light attack (equipped with HForce, complementing the Tiger), light utility, and disaster relief
• Six H175M helicopters: for the Spanish Air and Space Force. These super-medium utility helicopters will be used for governmental missions, including the transport of authorities, replacing obsolete fleets from Wing 48
• 31 NH90 helicopters: 13 for the Army, 12 for the Air and Space Force, and six for the Navy. Destined for tactical transport, maneuver, and special operations missions, as well as completing the Navy’s amphibious warfare fleet. 

“This investment is strategic and is focused on significantly increasing Spain’s security and defense capabilities, ensuring national strategic autonomy in a key sector of European defense,” said María Amparo Valcarce García, Secretary of State for Defense.

In addition to strengthening the current industrial capabilities of Airbus Helicopters in Spain, this plan is expected to have a direct impact on the creation of highly qualified jobs, estimated at more than 300 direct positions over the next three years. The industrial footprint in Albacete will continue to grow with a new military helicopter customization center and an international training center for H145M pilots and technicians. These developments will further supplement the ongoing construction of facilities dedicated to the Tiger mid-life upgrade.

The UK Ministry of Defense recently awarded a £41-million rotary support contract to HeliOperations.