Spanish Ministry of Defense Orders 100 Helicopters from Airbus
The General Directorate of Armament and Material of the Spanish Ministry of Defense has formalized four contracts for the acquisition of 100 Airbus helicopters, according to the aerospace group. This order is part of the National Helicopter Plan announced in May 2025.
Distribution of Helicopter Models Across Military Branches
The contracts stipulate the delivery of four types of aircraft distributed among the three branches of the Spanish armed forces, states Airbus Helicopters. The army will receive 50 H145M helicopters, intended for military pilot training, light attack, logistical support, and emergency response. The air and space force will acquire 12 H135 helicopters for advanced pilot training and observation missions, along with 6 H175M helicopters for VIP transport and governmental missions. Additionally, 31 NH90 helicopters will be allocated to the army, air force, and navy for tactical transport and special operations, the statement details. The navy will also receive an additional H135.
Strategic Enhancement of National Defense Capabilities
According to the State Secretary of Defense, María Amparo Valcarce García, quoted in the statement, this acquisition enables the Ministry of Defense to equip the armed forces with state-of-the-art aircraft essential for their operationality. The investment aims to significantly strengthen the country's security and defense capabilities while ensuring national strategic autonomy in a key sector of European defense, she adds. This order represents the largest helicopter acquisition by the General Directorate of Armament and Material, emphasizes Airbus Helicopters. Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, indicates that these programs represent a qualitative shift in the capabilities of the Spanish armed forces.
Economic Impact and Future Developments
The group anticipates the creation of over 300 highly skilled direct jobs over the next three years, according to the statement. The industrial footprint of the Albacete site will be enhanced by the establishment of a new helicopter militarization center and an international training center for pilots and technicians of the H145M, specifies Airbus Helicopters. These developments will complement the facilities currently under construction dedicated to the mid-life upgrade of the Tiger helicopters. Furthermore, the group announces its ambition to develop the Albacete site into a center of expertise for digital capabilities, including a digital campus created in collaboration with the University of Albacete and the Castilla-La Mancha Science and Technology Park, specializing in digital tools and cybersecurity.
