The Spanish Navy has detailed ambitious plans for the acquisition of a second batch of NH90 helicopters, specifically designed to serve special forces and equipped with state-of-the-art technology. These future aircraft will feature a new French electro-optical targeting system and a range of other modern modifications, tailored to meet contemporary operational demands.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Special Operations
“Six more [aircraft] are coming, so there will be another evolution of the Standard 3 MSPT [Maritime Spanish Tactical Transport Helicopter],” stated Javier Moreno, commander of the Spanish Navy’s 14th Squadron, during a press briefing at Rota Naval Base in Cadiz. The new helicopters will incorporate substantial improvements, mirroring systems included in the French special forces Standard 2 variant of the NH90. Moreno confirmed he had flown the Standard 2 variant weeks prior, in collaboration with French services.
He elaborated on the new equipment, which includes the Safran-produced Euroflir 410 electro-optical targeting system from France, and a Distributed Antenna System (DAS) comprising six to seven cameras, designed for comprehensive 360-degree situational awareness. Airbus commenced NH90 Standard 2 flight testing in 2024, in support of an acquisition of 18 aircraft by Paris.
From Plan to Reality: Acquisition and Delivery
While the envisioned Spanish order has not yet been formally contracted with NHIndustries—a joint endeavor by Airbus, Leonardo, and GKN Fokker—the budget for the acquisition has already been approved by Spain’s Council of Ministers. Commander Moreno specified that the additional aircraft are “planned” to arrive between 2030 and 2032.
This second batch builds upon an initial acquisition of seven Standard 3 MSPT units, contracted in 2018, which were part of Spain’s larger order of 23 NH90 rotorcraft. Deliveries from the first MSPT batch are due to be completed in 2026, with their main mission set covering amphibious operations, search and rescue (SAR), and medical evacuation, among other tasks. Initial Operating Capability (IOC) is projected for December 2026, consistent with a series of seven key milestones mapped out to help reach this target, including an experimental air unit deployment and onboard/ship-based activities, the latter scheduled to begin in March 2026.
Operational Flexibility at Sea
The exact vessel that will support the initial ship-based tasks has yet to be determined, Moreno noted. However, once in service, the MSPT fleet is expected to deploy from a number of surface vessels, such as the Strategic Projection Ship Juan Carlos I and Santa María-class frigates, significantly expanding Spain’s naval air capabilities.
