Spanish Ministry of Defence orders 100 Airbus helicopters

Spain’s Ministry of Defence has placed orders for 100 Airbus helicopters through its Directorate General for Armament and Material (DGAM), marking the largest helicopter procurement ever by the agency. The four contracts form part of the National Helicopter Plan announced in May and are aimed at modernising Spain’s defence and security capabilities.

The order covers four helicopter types for all three branches of the Spanish Armed Forces. It includes 13 H135s for advanced training and light utility missions, 50 H145Ms for the Army covering roles from pilot training and light attack to disaster relief, six H175Ms for the Air and Space Force to replace ageing government transport fleets, and 31 NH90s for tactical transport, manoeuvre and special operations across the Army, Air and Space Force and Navy.

Beyond operational benefits, the programme will further strengthen Airbus Helicopters’ industrial footprint in Spain. More than 300 highly qualified jobs are expected to be created over the next three years, with Albacete set to host new customisation, training and digital capability centres, reinforcing Spain’s role as a key hub in the European aerospace and defence industry.