Spain's Historic Order of 100 Airbus Helicopters: A Strategic Modernization Effort

On December 18, 2025, Spain's Ministry of Defence, through the Directorate General for Armament and Material (DGAM), formalized an order for 100 Airbus helicopters, marking the largest rotary-wing procurement in the agency's history. This acquisition, valued at approximately €4.5 billion ($5.3 billion), is part of Spain's National Helicopter Plan, which was announced in May 2025 to modernize the country's defense and security capabilities. The order encompasses four different helicopter models: 13 H135s, 50 H145Ms, 6 H175Ms, and 31 NH90s, intended for all three branches of the Spanish Armed Forces.

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The procurement includes:

Spain formalizes the largest helicopter purchase in its history with Airbus Helicopters

• H135 Helicopters: 13 units (12 for the Spanish Air and Space Force and 1 for the Navy) designated for advanced pilot training, light utility, and observation missions.

Spain orders 100 Airbus helicopters across army, air force and navyJanes Information GroupSpain formalizes the largest helicopter purchase in its history with Airbus HelicoptersSpanish Ministry of Defence orders 100 Airbus helicoptersSpain formalises 100-unit order with Airbus Helicopters, becomes H175M launch customerSpain orders 100 Airbus helicopters under defense planBreaking DefenseSpain orders 100 Airbus helicopters in major defence upgradeSpain orders 100 Airbus helicopters under National Helicopter Plan

• H145M Helicopters: 50 units for the Spanish Army's Airmobile Forces (FAMET), intended for military pilot training, light attack, utility tasks, and disaster relief operations.

Spain formalizes the largest helicopter purchase in its history with Airbus Helicopters

• H175M Helicopters: 6 units for the Spanish Air and Space Force, aimed at governmental missions, including the transport of authorities, replacing older AS332 Super Puma and AS532 Cougar helicopters.

Spain orders 100 Airbus helicopters across army, air force and navy

• NH90 Helicopters: 31 units (13 for the Army, 12 for the Air and Space Force, and 6 for the Navy) for tactical transport, maneuver, and special operations, enhancing the Navy's amphibious warfare capabilities.

Spain formalizes the largest helicopter purchase in its history with Airbus Helicopters

The contracts are designed not only to modernize Spain's military capabilities but also to strengthen its domestic industrial base. Airbus Helicopters anticipates that the program will create over 300 highly skilled jobs in Spain over the next three years, particularly at its Albacete facility. This site is set to evolve into a Centre of Expertise for digital capabilities, focusing on software development, cybersecurity, and maintenance support for military helicopters.

Spain formalizes the largest helicopter purchase in its history with Airbus HelicoptersSpain orders 100 Airbus helicopters across army, air force and navySpanish Ministry of Defence orders 100 Airbus helicoptersSpain orders 100 Airbus helicopters in major defence upgradeSpain orders 100 Airbus helicopters under defense planSpain orders 100 Airbus helicopters under National Helicopter PlanBreaking Defense

María Amparo Valcarce García, Secretary of State for Defence, emphasized the strategic nature of this investment, stating that it aims to enhance Spain's security and defense capabilities while ensuring national strategic autonomy in a vital sector of European defense. Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even described the contracts as a "qualitative leap" in the capabilities of the Armed Forces, reinforcing Spain's position within the European aeronautical industry.

Spain formalizes the largest helicopter purchase in its history with Airbus Helicopters

The Spanish Ministry of Defence highlighted the significance of this procurement in fulfilling its commitment to provide the Armed Forces with modern helicopters essential for their operations. "This award is the tangible realization of the National Helicopter Plan," stated Valcarce García. Even added that the programs included represent a substantial enhancement of the Armed Forces' operational capabilities.

Spanish Ministry of Defence orders 100 Airbus helicopters

Deliveries of the helicopters are scheduled to begin in 2027, with the H145M and H175M models expected to be operational by 2028. This procurement marks a critical step in Spain's long-term military aviation modernization strategy, aiming to replace aging platforms and streamline fleet operations across its armed forces.

Spain formalizes the largest helicopter purchase in its history with Airbus Helicopters