Spanish Defense and Interior Departments Team Up for 36 H135 Helicopters
The Spanish Ministries of Defence and Interior have commissioned 36 Airbus H135 helicopters. This agreement unfolds within the framework of the economic stimulus strategy initiated by the Spanish government to bolster the aerospace industry. The Defence Ministry will acquire 18 helicopters designated for the air force and the navy, whereas the Interior Ministry will also receive 18 helicopters intended for the National Police and the Guardia Civil. The deliveries are set to commence next year.
The Spanish Army currently manages a fleet of 16 H135 helicopters. With this new purchase, these will be the inaugural H135s for the Spanish Air Force and the Spanish Navy’s first Airbus Helicopters acquisition. Similar to the H135s previously obtained by the army, the latest aircraft for the air force and navy will supplant older helicopter models that are currently employed for advanced pilot training. The standardization of training fleets across the three military divisions will foster synergies and pave the way for implementing innovative and more effective training and support operations.
“Alongside the NH90, the H135 will be integral to all segments of the Spanish armed forces, exemplifying our commitment to harmonization and the pursuit of synergies in training and maintenance, as outlined in our Helicopter Master Plan,” remarked Admiral Santiago González at DGAM. “This collaboration between the Interior and Defence Ministries marks a significant milestone in the optimization of programs by the Spanish Government.”
The Ministry of Interior currently operates a fleet of 31 helicopters from the H135 series, utilized by the National Police, Guardia Civil, and Tráfico. The new helicopters will empower the Policía and Guardia Civil to transition from the BO105 helicopters, significantly enhancing their capabilities across a variety of missions including law enforcement, surveillance, and rescue operations.
“We are thrilled to finalize the most substantial H135 contract in the annals of this program in Spain, a vital partner and one of the largest H135 operators globally. I would like to extend a warm welcome to the Spanish Navy and the Spanish Air Force as new operators of this model,” stated Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H135’s capabilities, adaptability, and readiness for flight have been especially valued by Spanish operators.”
Airbus’ lightweight, dual-engine H135 is outfitted with cutting-edge technologies, including the proprietary Helionix avionics suite from Airbus Helicopters. Approximately 1,350 H135 helicopters are active with 300 operators in 64 nations. The fleet has achieved a remarkable total of 6 million flight hours.
