Spain buys 23 NH-90 helicopters

Spain buys 23 NH-90 helicopters.

Spain has signed a € 1.38 billion contract with NH Industries to purchase an additional batch of 23 NH-90 helicopters, Dec. 2019. The agreement includes two variants of the type: 16 NH-90 TTH (Tactical Troop Helicopter) and 7 NH-90 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter).

The Spanish government had allocated funds for the procurement of new helicopters during a meeting of the Council of Ministers in September 2018. Ten NH-90s will be assigned to the Army, six to the Air Force and seven to the Navy.

The plan for the introduction of new helicopters dates back to 2006 when Spain had estimated a need for 45 NH-90s to replace the old fleets of the three armed forces, but due to lack of funds, the nation bought only a first batch of 22 helicopters. This new batch will replace the Eurocopter AS-332 Super Pumas of the Army and Air Force and the Sikorsky SH-3D Sea Kings of the Navy.

The NH-90 program is promoted in Spain by the Ministry of Defense, supported by the Ministry of Industry and managed by the DGAM and aims to meet the operational needs of the three branches of the Spanish Armed Forces. It is based on a common platform adapted to the requirements of each mission and featuring all the latest technological developments. It aims to improve effectiveness and streamline operating expenses by reducing and modernizing the current fleet of helicopters, while also ensuring their sustainability over time.

Written by Matteo Sanzani

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