The Spanish Ministry of Defense, through the General Directorate of Armaments and Material (Digam), has approved the award to Airbus Helicopters España of a contract worth 1.975 billion euros for the implementation of the program Light multirole helicopters (Helipo).
The contract provides for the acquisition of 50 H145M helicoptersas well as the logistical support necessary for the initial entry into service of the devices.
The decision was made by direct attributionon the grounds thatAirbus Helicopters Spain is the only company technically capable of carrying out the project. According to the Ministry of Defense, additional improvements deemed strategic for public administration were also negotiated.
The budget will be executed over a period of ten yearswith a start in the next budget year and a finalization planned in 2035. The financial calendar distributes resources into annual tranches, with disbursements between 60 million and 300 million eurosdepending on the different phases of acquisition, integration and logistical support of the program.
Structural change in Army aviation
The Helipo program is considered one of the main initiatives to modernize Airmobile Forces of the Army (Famet)the air component of theSpanish army. The proposal goes beyond the simple replacement of aircraft and aims to structural transformation of the fleetwith the adoption of a single, modern and interoperable platform.
The H145M will gradually replace light helicopters EC-135in service since 2005 and close to the end of their service life, while filling the operational void between attack helicopters Tigre and medium transport helicopters NH90.
Why the H145M was chosen
According to the Spanish Army’s assessments, the war in Ukraine has shown that conventional conflicts require a large volume of resourcesdifficult to support by relying solely on very sophisticated platforms, with high operating costs and in limited number.
In this context, the H145M was selected because it offers greater flexibility, lower operating costs et high availabilityallowing the execution of missions that are suitable neither for the Tiger, oriented towards heavy combat, nor for the NH90, which is significantly larger and more expensive.
Three versions for different missions
Of the 50 units planned, the H145M will be acquired in three main configurations :
- EMERGENCIESintended for the Military Emergency Unit (UME)
- Training and training
- Multi-role light attackequipped with the weapon system HForce
This latest version can be configured for a wide range of missions, including fire support, armed reconnaissance and security operations.
HForce system and production in Albacete
HForce is a modular weapons system developed by Airbus allowing the integration of rockets, laser-guided missiles, cannons and machine guns, transforming the helicopter into a light attack platform. A critical part of this system will be made in Albacetestrengthening the participation of Spanish industry in the program.
The system includes a multirole mission computera helmet-mounted sight (HMSD), electro-optical sensors for target acquisition and interfaces for different types of weapons, allowing the engagement of armored vehicles, aircraft, drones and light maritime targets.
Technical characteristics of the H145M
The H145M is equipped with two engines Turbomeca Arriel 2Ea digital engine control system FADEC and avionics suite Helionixwhich integrates a four-axis autopilot and significantly reduces crew workload. The manufacturer also highlights the low acoustic signature of the device, considered one of the lowest in its category.
International operators
Besides Spain, the H145M has already been acquired by Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Thailand, the Luxembourg et Chyprewhere it operates in different military and security mission profiles.
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Source and images: X @AirbusHeli | @AirbusHeli | @Defensagob | @EjercitoTierra | @Armada_esp | @EjercitoAire. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
