The Spanish Ministry of Defence has formalized its largest-ever helicopter procurement, signing contracts for 100 Airbus helicopters through its Directorate General for Armament and Material (DGAM). This monumental order, executed under the National Helicopter Plan, marks a strategic leap in modernizing the nation’s defense and security capabilities across all three branches of the Armed Forces.
The historic package comprises four distinct models tailored to specific operational needs:
- 13 H135s: For advanced pilot training and light utility roles in the Air and Space Force and Navy.
- 50 H145Ms: A fleet for the Army (FAMET) dedicated to light attack, training, utility, and disaster relief missions.
- 6 H175Ms: Super-medium utility helicopters for the Air and Space Force to conduct governmental transport duties.
- 31 NH90s: For tactical transport, special operations, and naval amphibious warfare across the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
Secretary of State for Defence, María Amparo Valcarce García, stated the investment is “strategic and focused on significantly increasing Spain’s security and defence capabilities, ensuring national strategic autonomy in a key sector of European defence.”
Beyond enhancing military readiness, the plan is a major industrial catalyst for Spain. Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even highlighted that the programs “consolidate and advance Airbus Helicopters’ industrial footprint in Spain, projecting the country as a reference hub in the European aeronautical industry.”
The deal is expected to generate over 300 high-skilled jobs, with significant expansion at the Albacete site. This will include a new military helicopter customisation centre, an international H145M training hub, and a dedicated Digital Campus developed with local academic partners to foster expertise in cybersecurity and software development for future aerospace challenges.
