• Spain Finalizes Order for 100 Airbus Helicopters to Modernize Armed Forces
ALBACETE, Spain – Spain’s Ministry of Defence has finalized contracts to purchase 100 helicopters from Airbus for its Armed Forces, the company announced on December 18.
The procurement, the largest of its kind by Spain’s armament authority, is part of a national plan to modernize the country’s military and security assets.
What is new?
The Spanish government, through its Directorate General for Armament and Material (DGAM), has placed firm orders for 100 Airbus helicopters under four separate contracts. The acquisition is a key component of the National Helicopter Plan, which was first announced in May. The deal aims to equip the Spanish Army, Air and Space Force, and Navy with advanced rotorcraft for a range of missions.
Key Details of the Order
The contracts encompass four helicopter models distributed among the three branches of the Spanish Armed Forces. The Army will receive 50 H145M multi-role helicopters for training, light attack, and utility missions, along with 13 NH90 tactical transport helicopters. The Air and Space Force is set to receive 13 H135 helicopters for advanced training, 6 H175M helicopters for governmental transport, and 12 NH90s for tactical transport and special operations.
The Navy’s acquisition includes one H135 for training and six NH90s to complete its amphibious warfare fleet. “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,” stated María Amparo Valcarce García, Spain’s Secretary of State for Defence.
Industrial Impact in Spain
The procurement is expected to create more than 300 direct jobs in Spain over the next three years and significantly expand Airbus Helicopters’ industrial presence in the country, particularly at its Albacete site. Plans for the site include a new military helicopter customization center, an international training center for H145M pilots, and a Centre of Expertise for digital capabilities being developed in collaboration with the University of Albacete.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said the contracts “consolidate and advance Airbus Helicopters’ industrial footprint in Spain, projecting the country as a reference hub in the European aeronautical industry.” The Albacete facility will also see enhancements in support engineering, software development, and maintenance capabilities for the Spanish Armed Forces’ military helicopters.
About this company
Airbus is a European aerospace and defense manufacturer producing commercial aircraft, helicopters, satellites, and defense systems. Its division, Airbus Helicopters, is a global provider of civil and military helicopters. The company maintains a significant industrial footprint in Spain, which will be further developed as a result of this major helicopter procurement program.
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