Spanish Ministry of Defense, through the General Directorate of Armaments and Materials (Digam), Light Multi-Purpose Helicopters (Helipo) for the execution of the program 1.975 billion euros of a contract worth to Airbus Helicopters España approved the granting.
Agreement, 50 H145M helicopters supply and necessary for the initial commissioning of aircraft logistics support It covers.
Decision, direct supply taken by the method. Department of Defense, Airbus Helicopters España’nın He stated that it was the only company that could carry out the project from a technical perspective. It was also stated that additional improvements deemed to be of strategic importance for public administration were also discussed.
Budget ten years will be applied throughout; commencing in the next fiscal year and 2035It is planned to be completed in . The financial calendar is in parallel with the procurement, integration and logistics support phases of the program, 60 million euros to 300 million euros It envisages the distribution of resources in annual periods varying between .
Structural change in Land Forces aviation
Helipo program, Airmobile Forces of the Army (Famet) within Spanish Land Forces It is seen as one of the most important modernization initiatives of the aviation element. The program involves not only platform switching but also the adoption of a uniform, modern and interoperable platform. structural transformation of the fleet aims.
The H145M is a light weight vehicle that has been in service since 2005 and is nearing the end of its life. EC-135 will gradually replace its helicopters; also attack helicopter Tigre medium-class transport helicopter with NH90 between operational gap will fill.
Why H145M was chosen
According to the assessments of the Spanish Land Forces, the war in Ukraine is the result of conventional conflicts. high number of platforms showed that it was necessary. It is emphasized that relying on very sophisticated and limited platforms with high operating costs is not sustainable.
In this context, H145M; higher flexibility, lower operating costs ve high availability It was preferred because of its offerings. Thus, tasks that are not suitable for the heavy combat-oriented Tigre or the larger and more costly NH90 can be performed.
Three versions for different tasks
50 H145Ms planned, in three main configurations will be supplied:
- Emergency and disaster responsefor the Military Emergency Unit (UME)
- Education and training
- Light multi-role assault, HForce equipped with weapon system
Final configuration; It can be adapted to a wide range of missions, including fire support, armed reconnaissance and security operations.
HForce system and production in Albacete
HForceis a modular weapon system developed by Airbus that enables the integration of rockets, laser-guided missiles, cannons and machine guns, turning the helicopter into a light attack platform. A critical part of this system It will be produced in Albacete and will strengthen the participation of Spanish industry in the programme.
System; multipurpose task computerincludes a helmet-mounted sight (HMSD), electro-optical sensors for target acquisition, and interfaces for different types of weapons. Thus, it is possible to engage armored vehicles, aircraft, UAVs and light naval targets.
Technical specifications of H145M
H145M, two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engine, digital FADEC including engine control system and four-axis autopilot Helionix Equipped with avionics package. This structure significantly reduces the crew’s workload. The manufacturer also boasts among the lowest in its class low acoustic signature emphasizes its feature.
International users
Besides Spain Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Thailand, Luxembourg ve Cyprus has also supplied the H145M, and the helicopter serves in different military and security mission profiles.
Source and images: X @AirbusHeli | @AirbusHeli | @Defensagob | @EjercitoTierra | @Armada_esp | @EjercitoAire. This content was prepared with the support of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editorial team.
