Via the Spanish Ministry of Defense, General Directorate of Armaments and Material (Digam). approved to be concluded with Airbus Helicopters España, 1.975 billion euros contract worth a Light Multipurpose Program for Helicopters (Helipo) for its implementation.
Under the contract 50 H145M helicopters procurement, as well as logistical support for the initial commissioning of the aircraft.
The decision by direct contracting brought on the grounds that it is Airbus Helicopters Spain is the only company technically capable of carrying out the project. According to the Ministry of Defense, further strategically important developments for the public service were also established during the negotiations.
The budget for ten years will be implemented, starting from the next fiscal year, and completion is expected 2035-re can be done. The financial schedule allocates resources annually, moving between individual releases according to the procurement, integration and logistics support phases of the program.
Structural change in the Army Air Forces
The Helipo program is a Airmobile Forces of the Army (Famet)that is, a Spanish army is considered one of the main modernization initiatives of the aviation industry. The proposal is not only aimed at the simple replacement of aircraft, but also the fleet structure comprehensive transformation by introducing a single, modern and interoperable platform.
The H145M is gradually being replaced by the lightweight EC-135 helicopters that have been in service since 2005 and are nearing the end of their service life, while fills the operative gap a Tigre attack helicopters and the medium carrier NH90 between helicopters.
Why was the H145M chosen?
According to the assessment of the Spanish army, the war in Ukraine pointed to the traditional conflicts for high-volume resources there is a need that is difficult to maintain solely with high-cost, advanced platforms, of which relatively few are available.
In this context, the H145M was chosen because higher flexibility, lower operating costs and greater availability offers, enabling missions that are not ideal for either the heavy-duty Tigre or the much larger and more expensive NH90.
Three main configurations for different missions
Of the planned 50 units, the H145M will be procured in three main configurations:
- Emergency responsefor the Military Emergency Unit (UME).
- Training and education
- A light multi-purpose offensive variant, HForce with an armament system
This latter variant can be configured for a wide range of missions, including fire support, armed reconnaissance and security operations.
HForce system and production in Albacete
A HForce the modular weapons system developed by Airbus that allows the integration of missiles, laser-guided weapons, cannons and machine guns, turning the helicopter into a light attack platform. Some of the critical parts of the system Albaceteben will be produced, strengthening the participation of Spanish industry in the program.
The system includes a multipurpose mission computerhelmet-mounted targeting device (HMSD), electro-optical target detection sensors and interfaces for various weapon types, enabling engagement against armored vehicles, aircraft, drones and light maritime targets.
Technical characteristics of H145M
The H145M has two Turbomeca Arriel 2E is equipped with a motor, as well as FADEC with digital engine control and a Helionix with an avionics package that includes a four-axis autopilot, significantly reducing the load on the crew. The manufacturer also emphasizes the helicopter low acoustic signaturewhich is considered one of the lowest in its category.
International operators
Outside of Spain, the H145M has already been procured Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Thailand, Luxemburg and Cypruswhere he works in various military and security task profiles.
Source and images: X @AirbusHeli | @AirbusHeli | @Defensagob | @EjercitoTierra | @Armada_esp | @EjercitoAire. This content is AI-generated and editorially reviewed.
