This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.

Spain Orders 100 Airbus Helicopters in Historic €4 Billion Deal

On December 18, 2025, the Spanish Ministry of Defence formalized a historic agreement with Airbus Helicopters to acquire 100 military aircraft. Valued at approximately €4 billion for the manufacturer, with a total program cost estimated at €5.3 billion when including government-furnished equipment, this contract represents the largest helicopter procurement in the history of the Spanish Directorate General for Armament and Material (DGAM).

According to the official announcement, the acquisition is the centerpiece of Spain’s “National Helicopter Plan” (Plan Nacional de Helicópteros). This strategic initiative aims to consolidate the country’s military fleets, streamline logistics, and strengthen the national defense industry. The order encompasses four different helicopter models destined for the Spanish Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force.

Notably, this contract establishes Spain as the launch customer for the military version of the H175M, a significant milestone for Airbus in the super-medium helicopter market.

Breakdown of the 100-Unit Order

The contract covers a diverse range of platforms designed to standardize operations across Spain’s armed forces. According to details released regarding the procurement, the order is distributed as follows:

• H145M (50 units): The largest portion of the order is allocated to the Spanish Army Aviation (FAMET). These units will serve in light attack, training, and tactical support roles. Reports indicate they will be equipped with the HForce weapon system to complement the existing Tiger attack helicopter fleet.
• NH90 (31 units): This batch reinforces the NH90 as the backbone of Spanish tactical transport. The units are split among the Army (13), Air Force (12), and Navy (6), with the naval variants specifically targeted for amphibious warfare and special operations.
• H135 (13 units): Assigned primarily to the Air Force (12) and Navy (1), these light helicopters will function as advanced trainers, facilitating pilot transition to more complex platforms.
• H175M (6 units): These super-medium helicopters are designated for the Air and Space Force’s Wing 48 (Ala 48) to handle VIP and governmental transport duties.

“This contract is a decisive step towards the modernization of our armed forces and the consolidation of our national defense industry.”

, Statement attributed to Ministry of Defence officials in related reporting.

Industrial Impact on Albacete

A critical component of the agreement is the industrial return for Spain. Airbus has confirmed that the production and modification of these aircraft will center on its facility in Albacete. The manufacturer states that this contract will secure the plant’s industrial activity for the coming decade and lead to the creation of over 300 direct, highly qualified jobs.

In addition to assembly, the agreement includes the development of new infrastructure in Albacete:

• A Military Customization Center to tailor aircraft to specific mission requirements.
• An International Training Center focused on the H145M platform.
• A Digital Campus dedicated to fleet support technologies and digital capabilities.

Delivery Timeline

According to the schedule outlined in the announcement, deliveries are expected to proceed in phases:

• 2027: Deliveries of the H135 training helicopters begin.
• 2028: The first H145M and H175M units are slated for handover.
• 2031: Deliveries of the new batch of NH90s will commence, ensuring long-term production continuity at the Albacete site.

AirPro News Analysis

The inclusion of the H175M is perhaps the most strategically significant aspect of this order for Airbus. By securing Spain as a launch customer, Airbus validates the H175M as a credible military platform in the competitive “super-medium” category, where it faces stiff competition from the Leonardo AW149. This domestic endorsement provides a critical reference case for export campaigns.

Furthermore, the “National Helicopter Plan” reflects a broader NATO trend toward fleet rationalization. By reducing the number of airframe types in service, Spain aims to lower long-term maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) costs while simplifying pilot training pipelines, a move that prioritizes operational availability over platform diversity.

Sources

Sources: Airbus Press Release