Spain approves €3.68bn plan to modernise military aircraft fleets

Post by : Meena Rani

The Spanish government has approved a major five-year funding initiative aimed at modernising and recapitalising key rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft fleets, marking a significant boost to Spain’s defence capabilities and industrial sovereignty.

Published in Spain’s Official State Gazette (BOE) on 24 September, Royal Decree 848/2025 allocates €3.68bn ($4.33bn) in direct loans to Airbus, which will lead to six major aerospace and defence projects between 2025 and 2030.

“The measure responds to Spain’s Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defence (2025), aiming to modernise the armed forces, strengthen industrial/technological sovereignty, generate employment and stimulate innovation,” the decree states.

Focus on Rotary-Wing Fleet Modernisation

The decree dedicates four projects to consolidating and modernising Spain’s rotary-wing fleet across the Air and Space Force (SASF), Army (SA), and Navy (SN).

NH90 Expansion

Airbus Helicopters Spain will receive €1bn ($1.18bn) to acquire 32 additional NH90 helicopters, adding to 45 airframes already contracted. The NH90 now operates across all three branches, serving tactical transport, combat search-and-rescue (CSAR), amphibious lift, and, in the Navy, anti-submarine/surface warfare roles.

H135 and H175M Helicopters

Spain has allocated €100m ($118m) for 13 more H135 training and utility helicopters, expanding on an initial fleet of 36 acquired since 2021 to replace the retired Hughes 500M and remaining S-76Cs.

Additionally, €100m ($118m) has been earmarked for six H175M multi-mission helicopters to replace the SASF’s ageing AS332M/AS532UL Super Puma fleet, marking Spain as the type’s first military operator.

HELIPO Programme

Under the Light Multipurpose Helicopter for Training (HELIPO) programme, €920m ($1.08bn) will fund 54 twin-engine helicopters to replace the SA’s EC135s. Deliveries are expected between 2028 and 2034, with the prototype flight planned for 2027. The platform is expected to bridge capabilities between transport NH90s and Tigre attack helicopters.

The decree highlights that major assembly, training, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) operations will be conducted domestically, reinforcing Spain’s industrial base.

Fixed-Wing Fleet Recapitalisation

Spain is also renewing three ageing fixed-wing aircraft fleets operated by the SASF.

Hürjet Advanced Jet Trainers

Airbus Defence and Space will receive €1.04bn ($1.23bn) for the Integrated Advanced Flight Training System (ITS-C) project, involving the purchase of 45 Turkish-made Hürjet jets. The first aircraft will arrive at Talavera la Real Air Base in 2028 for familiarisation, with a Spain-specific variant delivered from 2031. This replaces the SF-5M Freedom Fighter fleet, which has been in service since 1970.

C295 Tactical Transports

Under the Air Mobility Training Technologies (ITS-T) programme, €520m ($610.2m) will fund 18 C295 aircraft to replace ageing CN235 and C212 Aviocar fleets. Twelve aircraft will support training and tactical transport, while six will be dedicated to paratrooper training.

Strengthening Sovereignty and Industrial Partnership

Spain’s decree underscores a dual focus on modernising military capabilities while enhancing domestic aerospace industrial support. The government’s investment solidifies its partnership with Airbus and strengthens Spain’s strategic autonomy in maintaining and operating key defence systems.

While this initiative addresses major procurement priorities, questions remain over future acquisitions, including the Navy’s carrier-capable EAV-8B Matador II fighter fleet, after Madrid shelved F-35B Lightning II plans in August.

Spain military modernisation, Airbus Defence and Space, NH90, H135