Airbus Helicopters has successfully delivered the first NH90 helicopter from the second batch of 23 helicopters to the Directorate General of Armament and Material (DGAM) at its facility in Albacete, Spain. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first NH90 in the Standard 3 configuration designed for the Spanish Air and Space Force.
This second batch of NH90 helicopters is part of a broader plan to bolster Spain’s military capabilities. The 23 helicopters include 16 Standard 3 models, of which ten are designated for the Spanish Army’s Air Mobile Forces (FAMET), while six will serve the Air and Space Force. The Spanish Navy will also benefit, receiving seven navalized NH90 helicopters. Deliveries of these advanced helicopters are scheduled to occur incrementally from December 2024 to 2028, ensuring a phased and systematic enhancement of Spain’s defense infrastructure.
In parallel, preparations are underway for the delivery of the first NH90 in the tactical transport configuration (MSPT) for the Spanish Navy. This helicopter is currently in the final stages of obtaining its Type Certificate from the Spanish Airworthiness Authority. Already stationed in Albacete, the MSPT is expected to be officially handed over to DGAM in the coming weeks. Training sessions for Spanish Navy personnel, specifically those from the 14th Squadron, have commenced at the Albacete plant, enabling them to familiarize themselves with the NH90’s advanced features ahead of operational deployment.
Fernando Lombo, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Spain, highlighted the significance of this development. “We are proud to be supporting our armed forces with these new state-of-the-art NH90s that will create a standardized modern fleet across all three branches of the armed forces. We have contributed to these benchmark airborne forces with a helicopter that offers world-class operational capabilities to the Spanish Armed Forces. The upcoming addition of the NH90 in the Spanish Navy is a definitive step in modernization, and Airbus Helicopters will be ready to respond to the needs of the Spanish customer,” he stated.
The NH90 in the Standard 3 configuration introduces numerous enhancements, making it a versatile and powerful addition to the Spanish Air and Space Force. Key features include advanced communication systems with enhanced encryption capabilities, improved operational safety measures, and multiple system optimizations. These upgrades are designed to ensure superior performance in diverse and challenging mission profiles.
The navalized NH90 MSPT variant, intended for the Spanish Navy, is equally impressive. It boasts a reinforced landing gear, an increased maximum take-off weight of up to 11 tonnes, and the capability for automatic folding of the main rotor blades and rear fuselage. These features collectively enhance the MSPT’s strategic projection capabilities, enabling it to meet the demands of modern naval operations effectively.
The NH90 program is a testament to international collaboration and engineering excellence. To date, 523 NH90 helicopters have been delivered to 13 countries, amassing nearly 420,000 flight hours. Spain’s fleet includes 15 NH90 helicopters in service with FAMET, colloquially known as ‘Sarrios,’ and six NH90 ‘Lobo’ helicopters operated by the Air and Space Force. Both units have demonstrated their utility in diverse operations, including humanitarian efforts such as the recent relief missions in Valencia following the passage of the Dana storm.
The NH90 helicopter is a product of NHIndustries (NHI), a joint venture comprising Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters, and GKN Fokker. This partnership is dedicated to the design, manufacture, and support of the NH90 helicopter, consistently delivering state-of-the-art solutions to meet the evolving needs of its global customer base. The collaboration ensures that the NH90 remains a cutting-edge platform, combining technological innovation with operational versatility.
The ongoing delivery of NH90 helicopters underlines Spain’s commitment to modernizing its military capabilities across all branches of its armed forces. With its advanced features and robust performance, the NH90 is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing the operational readiness and strategic reach of Spain’s defense forces.
