Airbus Delivers First Standard 3 Config NH90 Helicopter to Spain

Airbus Helicopters has handed over the first NH90 from the second batch of 23 helicopters to the Directorate General of Armament and Material (DGAM) in Albacete, Spain.

According to an Airbus press release, this marks the first NH90 in the Standard 3 configuration for the Spanish Air and Space Force.

The second batch includes 16 Standard 3 helicopters—10 for the Army Air Mobile Forces (FAMET), 6 for the Air and Space Force, and 7 navalised helicopters for the Navy. Deliveries will occur from December 2024 to 2028.

The first NH90 for the Spanish Navy in the tactical transport version is awaiting final delivery, while Navy personnel have begun training at the Albacete plant.

Fernando Lombo, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Spain, said, "The NH90 offers world-class operational capability, and its addition to the Spanish Navy marks a key step in modernisation. Airbus Helicopters will continue to meet the needs of the Spanish customer."

The new NH90 for the Spanish Air Force, in Standard 3 configuration, features advanced communications, enhanced encryption, improved safety, and system optimisations.

The MSPT will enhance the Spanish Navy's strategic projection with new features, including reinforced landing gear, a max take-off weight of 11 tonnes, and automatic folding rotor blades and rear fuselage.

A total of 523 NH90s have been delivered to 13 countries, accumulating nearly 420,000 flight hours. Spain currently operates 15 NH90s with FAMET and six with the Air and Space Force, both involved in the relief efforts following the passage of the Dana storm in Valencia.