Under the second tranche of the NH90TTH programme, NHIndustries is set to deliver a total of 23 helicopters to Spain. The agreement for this batch, valued at €1.4 billion, was finalised in December 2018. Out of these 23 helicopters, 16 are expected to be in the FOC standard – 12 will be allocated to the Army Aviation, while six will support the Air Force’s search and rescue (SAR) squadrons.
The first #NH90 in Standard 3 configuration has arrived in Spain! 🇪🇸 It provides enhanced protection, communications & operational security features.
The 1st NH90 from the 2nd batch ordered for the @EjercitoAire is getting ready for its upcoming delivery to the DGAM. pic.twitter.com/SrB2hMFRo3— Airbus Helicopters (@AirbusHeli) October 29, 2024
The NH90TTH Standard 3 features significant upgrades, including an IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) system operating in Mode 5, an advanced self-defence system, and enhanced radios offering improved cryptographic protection. Additionally, software modifications to the FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) system have been implemented to optimise engine performance. Spanish media reports suggest there is an option to retrofit previously delivered helicopters to this updated standard.
Spain’s military aims to maintain a fleet of 45 NH90TTH multirole helicopters to be used across its three branches of the armed forces. There is also speculation that procurement could continue, with ongoing discussions regarding the naval aviation’s interest in acquiring a small batch of NH90NFH helicopters. These would potentially replace some of the currently operated SH-60B Seahawks, although Madrid has already ordered eight new MH-60R helicopters through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.
