Spain Orders 100 Airbus Helicopters Under National Modernization Plan

Largest DGAM purchase strengthens Armed Forces capabilities and expands Airbus industrial footprint in Albacete

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has signed contracts for the purchase of 100 Airbus helicopters through the Directorate General for Armament and Material (DGAM). The agreements, part of the National Helicopter Plan announced in May, represent the largest helicopter acquisition in DGAM’s history and aim to modernize Spain’s defence and security assets.

The contracts cover four helicopter models across the three branches of the Spanish Armed Forces:

• 13 H135 helicopters: 12 for the Air and Space Force and 1 for the Navy, to be used for advanced pilot training, light utility, and observation missions.
• 50 H145M helicopters: All for the Army (FAMET), supporting pilot training, light attack missions with HForce systems, utility operations, and disaster relief.
• 6 H175M helicopters: For the Air and Space Force, designated for governmental missions including authority transport, replacing outdated fleets from Wing 48.
• 31 NH90 helicopters: 13 for the Army, 12 for the Air and Space Force, and 6 for the Navy, intended for tactical transport, manoeuvre, special operations, and enhancing the Navy’s amphibious warfare fleet.

“By formalising these contracts, the Ministry of Defence fulfils its commitment to provide our Armed Forces with the latest generation of helicopters essential for their operations,” said María Amparo Valcarce García, Secretary of State for Defence. “This strategic investment significantly increases Spain’s security and defence capabilities while ensuring national autonomy in a key sector of European defence.”

Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, added: “This award is the tangible realisation of the National Helicopter Plan. It represents a qualitative leap in Armed Forces capabilities and consolidates Airbus Helicopters’ industrial footprint in Spain, positioning the country as a reference hub in the European aeronautical industry.”

The plan is expected to generate more than 300 highly qualified jobs over the next three years. Airbus will expand its Albacete facilities with a new military helicopter customization centre and an international training centre for H145M pilots and technicians, complementing ongoing work on the Tiger mid-life upgrade.

Additionally, Airbus aims to transform Albacete into a Centre of Expertise for digital capabilities. A Digital Campus is being developed in collaboration with the University of Albacete and the Castilla-La Mancha Science and Technology Park, focusing on digital tools and cybersecurity. Support engineering, software development, connectivity, and maintenance for Spain’s military helicopter fleet will also be reinforced.

Source: Albacete, Spain - Airbus & ©XAirForces News, 7 January 2026

Photo: Spain’s Ministry of Defence signs contracts for 100 Airbus helicopters under the National Helicopter Plan—the largest DGAM purchase in history. The deal modernizes Armed Forces capabilities, expands Airbus’s footprint in Albacete, and creates 300+ jobs.. (Photo by ©Airbus)

Editor: Claudia Maria Vázquez (South West European ©XAirForces News Editor from Spain / CMVPhotos Spotter)

Keywords: Spain, Ministry of Defence, DGAM, Airbus Helicopters, National Helicopter Plan, Albacete, H135, H145M, H175M, NH90, Spanish Army, Spanish Navy, Spanish Air and Space Force, modernization, tactical transport, pilot training, light utility, light attack, disaster relief, amphibious warfare, Wing 48, María Amparo Valcarce García, Bruno Even, European defence industry, strategic autonomy, industrial footprint, job creation, customization centre, training centre, Tiger upgrade, digital campus, University of Albacete, Castilla-La Mancha Science and Technology Park, cybersecurity, software development, connectivity, maintenance, aerospace innovation

Spain Orders 100 Airbus Helicopters Under National Modernization Plan