Spain's New Military Aircraft Acquisitions With Airbus
The decree promotes Spanish air fleet renewal and marks the arrival of the military H175M.
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The Government of Spain has formalized a package of air acquisitions that outlines the modernization of its fixed and rotary wings. Through Royal Decree 848/2025, direct loans are granted to Airbus Defence and Space and Airbus Helicopters España to finance key programs, consolidating the National Helicopter Plan and fixed-wing aircraft programs, with a clear focus on the national industrial base.
The measure, published today in the Official State Gazette (BOE), highlights six main programs that address the need to replace obsolete air platforms and strengthen defense capabilities.
Rotary Wing: Fleet and Capability Unification
The backbone of the modernization of Spanish military helicopters is the consolidation of aircraft families. The programs financed by the decree focus on this objective:
- NH90-3: The fleet of the NH90 tactical transport helicopter is being expanded. The program's continuity is maintained to provide the Navy, Army, and Air and Space Force with a common fleet of tactical transport and naval operations helicopters, with deliveries expected in the coming fiscal years.
- H-135 Phase 2: The acquisition program for the H-135 light helicopter continues, with additional units for the Navy and the Air and Space Force, reinforcing its role as a training and support helicopter.
- HACES: The H175M multi-purpose helicopters will be acquired for the Air and Space Force, replacing the current fleet of AS332M/AS532UL Super Puma helicopters of the 48th Wing for critical missions. Spain would thus become the first military customer of the H175M, a "super-medium" helicopter originally developed for the United Kingdom as a Puma replacement.
- HELIPO: A new twin-engine light helicopter for advanced training and logistical support will join the fleet, diversifying training capabilities.
Fixed Wing: The Hürjet and Technological Renewal
In fixed-wing aviation, the Royal Decree addresses the renewal of two historical fleets.
- The decree finances the ITS-C program, aimed at replacing the advanced training fleet of the F-5M (AE.9). The project includes the acquisition of a modern advanced trainer—the industrial proposal linked to TAI's HÜRJET with the participation of Airbus Spain is a relevant option—and the deployment of a training system that integrates real/synthetic simulation and state-of-the-art avionics. The program foresees the acquisition of up to 45 aircraft with an operational life planned for decades, along with national industrial participation centered on Airbus Spain.
- Resources are included for the ITS-T program, intended to replace training/logistical support aircraft in units such as the Military Air Transport School (EMTA) and the Military Parachute School (EMP). In this context, the possibility of using a platform based on the C295 as a logistical and training solution is mentioned (which is in addition to the 16 MSA/MPA maritime patrol units already contracted). This program includes the acquisition of 18 aircraft, with a direct impact on the Airbus assembly lines in Seville.
The implementation of these programs reflects a balanced approach: modernizing the Armed Forces and generating returns from national industrial participation. The execution of the programs will allow Spain to update its training, tactical transport, and air mobility capabilities, while Airbus strengthens its presence in the Spanish and European military industry with projects that combine local assembly, technological development, and collaboration with national suppliers.
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