Spain’s Directorate General for Armament and Material (DGAM) has formally committed to a monumental acquisition, agreeing to purchase 100 helicopters from European manufacturer Airbus. The deal, valued at an estimated €4.5 billion ($5.3 billion), notably includes 50 new H145M training and light attack aircraft for its army.
An Unprecedented Procurement This triple-figure rotorcraft order, structured across four distinct contracts, marks the largest helicopter procurement in the DGAM’s history. Spain’s Council of Ministers has already approved the budget ceilings for this ambitious undertaking over the past six months, with initial estimates suggesting the final sum could potentially surpass the initial €4.5 billion estimate. Approximately €4 billion of this substantial investment is earmarked directly for the manufacturer, covering both the aircraft platforms and government-furnished equipment.
A Diverse Fleet for Complex Missions Beyond the significant H145M order, Madrid will also acquire 31 NH90 helicopters, 13 H135 rotorcraft, and six H175M super-medium utility models. Deliveries under this multi-billion-dollar agreement are slated to commence in 2027. This acquisition forms a critical component of a broader national helicopter plan, unveiled in May, aimed at modernizing the nation’s defense and security capabilities.
NH90 and H135: Enhancing Aerial Versatility The NH90 package comprises 13 units for the Spanish Army, 12 for its Air and Space Force, and six for the Navy, with deliveries expected to begin in 2031. Operationally, this future fleet is earmarked for tactical transport, maneuver operations, and special forces missions, while also bolstering the Navy’s amphibious warfare fleet. For the Navy, this additional procurement will increase its overall NH90 fleet to 13 units, likely tailored to modern special forces requirements.
The H135 helicopters, with deliveries starting in 2027, will see 12 aircraft go to the Spanish Air and Space Force and one unit to the Navy. Spain intends to utilize this fleet for pilot training, light utility, and observation missions.
Introducing the H175M: A Military First Rounding out the mega-order, all six Spanish Air and Space Force H175M helicopters are designated for governmental missions. They will replace the aging AS332M/AS532UL Super Puma fleets operated by Wing 48, signifying a significant upgrade in aerial capabilities. Spain also notably becomes the inaugural customer for the militarized variant of the civil H175 helicopter, marking a pioneering move in its defense strategy.
Strategic Vision and Industrial Growth According to official statements, this investment is strategic, focused on significantly enhancing Spain’s security and defense capabilities, and ensuring national strategic autonomy within a critical sector of European defense.
On an industrial level, the Albacete facility, currently responsible for NH90 fuselage sections, is slated for significant expansion. Plans include establishing a new military helicopter customization center and an international training center for the H145M. Furthermore, the manufacturer aims to transform the site into a hub of expertise for digital capabilities, reinforcing Spain’s role in the European defense supply chain.
