The agreements cover four helicopter models for the Spanish Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force. They include 13 H135 helicopters for advanced training and light missions, 50 H145M helicopters for the Army, six H175M helicopters for governmental transport, and 31 NH90 helicopters for tactical transport and special operations.
María Amparo Valcarce García, Secretary of State for Defence, said the contracts fulfil a long-standing commitment to the Armed Forces. “By formalising these contracts, the Ministry of Defence fulfils its commitment to provide our Armed Forces with the latest generation of helicopters that are essential for their operations,” she said, adding, “This investment is strategic and is focused on significantly increasing Spain’s security and defence capabilities, ensuring national strategic autonomy in a key sector of European defence.”
Bruno Even, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Helicopters, said the order marked a major step in capability development and industrial cooperation. “This award is the tangible realisation of the National Helicopter Plan and the programmes included represent a qualitative shift in the capabilities of the Armed Forces. We are proud to be strengthening Spain’s national defence and security resilience,” he said, adding that the contracts “consolidate and advance Airbus Helicopters’ industrial footprint in Spain, projecting the country as a reference hub in the European aeronautical industry.”
The programme is expected to create more than 300 highly qualified direct jobs over the next three years while expanding Airbus Helicopters’ industrial base in Albacete. Planned developments include a military helicopter customisation centre, an international H145M training centre, and new facilities supporting the Tiger helicopter mid-life upgrade.
Airbus Helicopters also plans to develop its Albacete site into a Centre of Expertise for digital capabilities. This includes the creation of a Digital Campus focused on digital tools and cybersecurity, alongside strengthened support engineering, software development, connectivity and maintenance for the Spanish Armed Forces’ helicopter fleet.
Source: Airbus (press release).
