Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first two NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopters (MSPT – Multi-Role Support Transport) to the Spanish Navy from its Albacete facility. These aircraft are the first of seven navalised NH90s ordered under the second phase of Spain's NH90 programme, which includes a total of 23 helicopters.
The MSPT variant has been specially adapted to meet the Spanish Navy's demanding amphibious tactical transport needs. Key features of this version include reinforced landing gear, tailored naval communications and navigation systems, and an automatic folding system for both the main rotor blades and rear fuselage. These adaptations are designed to facilitate seamless shipboard operations. The NH90 MSPT can carry up to 20 fully equipped troops or a light vehicle, and is capable of IFR (instrument flight rules) operations with a single pilot, even in poor weather and during night-time missions.
Fernando Lombo, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Spain, praised the cooperation between Airbus, the Directorate General of Armament and Material (DGAM), and the Spanish Navy. “The delivery of the first NH90 MSPT helicopters is proof of the strong collaboration between the Directorate General of Armament and Material (DGAM), the Spanish Navy, and Airbus Helicopters,” he said. He also confirmed that naval crews have completed training at Albacete, and the helicopters are set to become operational at Rota Naval Base this summer as scheduled.
With this delivery, all three branches of Spain's Armed Forces—the Army, the Air and Space Force, and now the Navy—operate NH90 helicopters, reflecting a unified and versatile military fleet. The move also highlights the strategic importance of the NH90 platform within Spain's defence framework and industrial ecosystem.
On May 13, the Spanish Ministry of Defence and Airbus Helicopters signed a framework agreement to implement the Spanish National Helicopter Plan, which will further expand the NH90 fleet across the country's armed forces.
