Spain has placed orders for 100 Airbus helicopters through the Ministry of Defence’s Directorate General for Armament and Material (DGAM), marking its largest-ever helicopter procurement. The four contracts sit under the National Helicopter Plan announced in May and are aimed at modernising defence and security capabilities.
The order spans four helicopter programmes across all three armed services: 13 H135s for training and light roles (Air and Space Force and Navy); 50 H145Ms for the Army, covering training, light attack, utility and disaster relief; six H175Ms for governmental transport missions with the Air and Space Force; and 31 NH90s for tactical transport, manoeuvre and special operations across the Army, Air and Space Force, and Navy.
Beyond capability renewal, the programme will significantly strengthen Airbus Helicopters’ industrial base in Spain. More than 300 highly skilled jobs are expected over the next three years, alongside expanded facilities in Albacete, including a military helicopter customisation centre and an international H145M training hub.
The Albacete site will also develop into a centre of expertise for digital capabilities, supported by a new Digital Campus in partnership with the University of Albacete and the Castilla-La Mancha Science and Technology Park, reinforcing software, cybersecurity, connectivity and maintenance support for Spain’s military helicopter fleet.
