Spain’s Ministry of Defense, through the Directorate General of Armament and Materiel (DGAM), has signed one of the most comprehensive modernization moves in aviation history by placing an order for 100 Airbus helicopters. The four separate contracts signed under the “National Helicopter Plan” announced in May aim to increase the operational capability of the Spanish Armed Forces and strengthen their strategic autonomy.
Four Different Models, Three Forces
This record procurement carried out by DGAM covers the following models tailored to the needs of the Spanish Army, Navy, and Air Force:
- 31 NH90s: To be used for tactical transport, special operations, and amphibious warfare missions, distributed among the Army (13), Air Force (12), and Navy (6).
- 50 H145Ms: To be used within the Army (FAMET) for pilot training, disaster relief, and, when equipped with the HForce system, in light attack missions supporting Tiger helicopters.
- 13 H135s: To be delivered to the Air and Space Force (12) and the Navy (1) for advanced training and light utility missions.
- 6 H175Ms: To replace aging fleets in the Air and Space Force inventory and to be used for state duties and personnel transport.
Industrial and Technological Investment
The agreement is not limited to procurement alone and will also expand Airbus’s industrial presence in Spain. Within the scope of the project, a new military customization center will be established in Albacete, along with an international training center for the H145M. In addition, the creation of more than 300 highly qualified jobs is envisaged.
While Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even emphasized that this tender will make Spain a reference center in the European aviation industry, Secretary of State for Defense María Amparo Valcarce García stated that the investment is a strategic step in European defense.
Source: C4Defence / Airbus
