The Spanish Ministry of Defense has, through the Directorate for Arms and Materiel (Digam), approved the award of a contract to Airbus Helicopters España to the value of €1.975 billion for the implementation of the programme Light multi-role helicopters (Helipo).
The contract includes the acquisition of 50 H145M helicoptersas well as necessary logistical support for the aircraft’s initial operational service.
The decision was taken through direct allocationon the grounds that Airbus Helicopters Spain is the only company that is technically qualified to carry out the project. According to the Ministry of Defence, further improvements which are considered strategically important for public administration were also negotiated.
The budget will be implemented over ten yearswith start-up in the next budget year and planned completion in 2035. The financial plan distributes the funds in annual increments, with payments varying between €60 million and €300 millionin line with the various phases for acquisition, integration and logistical support in the programme.
Structural change in the Army’s air capabilities
The Helipo program is considered one of the most important modernization measures for Airmobile Forces of the Army (Famet)the air component of the Spanish army. The initiative goes beyond a simple replacement of aircraft and aims at a structural transformation of the fleetthrough the introduction of one common, modern and interoperable platform.
The H145M will gradually replace the light ones EC-135-helicopters, which have been in service since 2005 and are nearing the end of their service life, while the fills the operative gap between the attack helicopters Tigre and the medium-heavy transport helicopters NH90.
Why the H145M was chosen
According to assessments by the Spanish army, the war in Ukraine has shown that conventional conflicts require a large volume of capacitieswhich is difficult to maintain with only very sophisticated platforms with high operating costs and limited numbers.
In this context, the H145M was chosen because it offers greater flexibility, lower operating costs and high availabilityand thus can carry out missions that are neither suitable for the Tigre, which is aimed at heavy combat, nor for the NH90, which is significantly larger and more expensive to operate.
Three versions for different missions
Of the 50 planned units, the H145M will be procured in three main configurations:
- Emergency and preparednessassigned to the military readiness unit (UME)
- Education and training
- Light multi-role attackequipped with the weapon system HForce
The latter version can be configured for a wide range of missions, including fire support, armed reconnaissance and security operations.
The HForce system and production in Albacete
HForce is 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 the system will be produced in Albacetewhich strengthens the Spanish industry’s participation in the program.
The system includes a multi-role mission computerhelmet-mounted sight (HMSD), electro-optical sensors for target acquisition as well as interfaces for various types of weapons, enabling combat against armored vehicles, aircraft, drones and light maritime targets.
Technical characteristics of the H145M
The H145M is equipped with two Turbomeca Arriel 2E-engines, FADEC digital engine management and Helionix-the avionics package, which includes a four-axis autopilot and significantly reduces the workload for the crew. The manufacturer also highlights the helicopter’s low acoustic signaturewhich is considered one of the lowest in its class.
International operators
In addition to Spain, the H145M has already been acquired by Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Thailand, Luxembourg and Cypruswhere it operates in various military and security-related mission profiles.
Source and images: X @AirbusHeli | @AirbusHeli | @Defensagob | @EjercitoTierra | @Armada_esp | @EjercitoAire. This content has been prepared with the help of AI and reviewed by the editors.
