The Spanish Ministry of Defense, through the General Directorate of Armaments and Materials (Digam), has the assignment was approved to Airbus Helicopters España of a contract worth 1.975 billion euros for the implementation of the program Multi-Role Light Helicopters (Helipo).
The contract provides for the acquisition of 50 H145M helicoptersin addition to the logistical support necessary for the initial entry into service of the airships.
The decision was made via direct assignmentwith the rationale that Airbus Helicopters Spain is the only company technically capable of developing the project. According to the Ministry of Defense, improvements deemed strategic for the public administration were also negotiated.
The budget will be executed over ten yearsstarting in the next fiscal year and expected to conclude in 2035. The financial timetable distributes the resources in annual tranches, with disbursements between 60 million and 300 million eurosin line with the different acquisition, integration and logistical support phases of the program.
Structural change in Army aviation
The Helipo program is considered one of the major modernization initiatives of Airmobile Forces of the Army (Famet)the air arm ofSpanish army. The proposal goes beyond simply replacing airships and aims for one structural transformation of the fleetwith the adoption of a single, modern and interoperable platform.
The H145M will progressively replace light helicopters EC-135in service since 2005 and nearing the end of their operational life, as well as bridge the operational gap among the attack helicopters Tigre and medium transport helicopters NH90.
Why the H145M was chosen
According to the assessments of the Spanish Army, the war in Ukraine has shown that conventional conflicts require a high volume of vehiclesdifficult to sustain by relying solely on highly sophisticated platforms, with high operational costs and limited numbers.
In this context, the H145M was selected because it delivers greater flexibility, lower operating costs e high availabilityallowing the carrying out of missions not suitable for either the Tigre, oriented towards heavy combat, or the NH90, significantly larger and more expensive.
Three versions for different missions
Of the 50 units planned, the H145M will be acquired in three main configurations:
- Emergencyintended for the Military Emergency Unit (UME)
- Education 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 weapon system developed by Airbus that allows 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 produced in Albacetestrengthening the participation of Spanish industry in the programme.
The system includes a multi-role mission computera helmet-mounted sight (HMSD), electro-optical sensors for target acquisition and interfaces for different types of armament, enabling 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 2Edigital engine control system FADEC it’s the avionics suite Helionixwhich integrates a four-axis autopilot and significantly reduces the crew’s workload. The manufacturer also highlights the low acoustic signatureconsidered among the smallest in the category.
International operators
In addition to Spain, the H145M has already been acquired by Germania, Hungary, Serbia, Thailand, Luxembourg e Ciprowhere it operates in various military and security mission profiles.
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.
