The Spanish Directorate General of Armament and Material (DGAM) has signed a new contract for 31 NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopters (TTH), significantly expanding its commitment to the program. This order, finalized through Airbus Helicopters and NHIndustries (NHI), will increase Spain’s total NH90 fleet to 76 aircraft, solidifying its position as one of the program’s largest operators. Spain remains unique in operating the NH90 across all three branches of its armed forces: the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
The new helicopters will be delivered in two tailored variants: the GSPA for the Army and Air Force, and the MSPT for naval operations. This repeat order is seen as a major endorsement. “This is a huge vote of confidence from Spain,” stated NHI President Axel Aloccio, who expressed pride in serving the Spanish armed forces.
A key feature of the latest GSPA configuration is the advanced Mission Flight Aid (MFA) system, specifically developed for special operations. This includes a Distributed Aperture System (DAS)—a fixed infrared camera network—and an Electro-Optical System (EOS). These Safran Electronics & Defense products feed critical data into a new-generation Helmet Mounted Sight Digital Display from Thales Avionics, providing pilots with enhanced 3D vision and unprecedented support in low-visibility conditions.
Production and final assembly will occur at the Airbus Helicopters facility in Marignane, France, with final delivery managed from Albacete, Spain. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2031. The program will leverage extensive Spanish industrial participation from companies like Indra, Tecnobit, and ITP, ensuring significant local development and integration work.
As the largest rotorcraft joint venture globally, NHIndustries brings together Airbus Helicopters (62.5%), Leonardo (32%), and GKN Fokker (5.5%). The NH90, notable for its composite airframe and fly-by-wire controls, is a cornerstone of European defense, with over 530 units delivered worldwide and more than 500,000 flight hours accumulated across diverse operational environments.
