Following the delivery of two NH90 helicopters to the Spanish Navy in May 2025, all three branches of Spain’s Armed Forces (The Army, the Air and Space Force, and the Navy) now operate the platform. It marks the first time the services share the same helicopter system.
The Spanish Air and Space Force received its first NH90 in the Standard 3 configuration in December 2024, under the second batch of a contract signed in 2018. The new configuration introduces enhanced protection, including Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) capability and directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM), along with upgraded communications and safety improvements.
Major Cristina Pampliega, Commander of the 803rd Squadron of the 48th Wing, described the introduction of the helicopter as “the future,” adding that it represented “a hugely important generational leap and a profound change that we are excited to be part of.”
The Spanish Navy welcomed its first NH90s on July 29 at Rota Naval Base. The 14th Aircraft Squadron, established in 2024 specifically to operate the NH90 MSPT variant, had trained in Albacete ahead of the handover. “The 60 members of the squadron were as excited as I was when the NH90 helicopters were delivered,” said Frigate Captain Javier Moreno, Commander of the 14th Aircraft Squadron. “We had made extensive preparations and were eager to proceed to the next phase. The Naval Station Rota facilities were ready to accommodate the aircraft, which will be used to carry out troop transport missions and special operations. All in all, we will receive three NH90 helicopters in 2025 and then complete our quota in 2026 with four additional units.”
Domestic Operations
NH90s have already seen action in disaster relief operations. During severe flooding in Valencia in October 2024, helicopters from the Air and Space Force were deployed. “The day after the floods, we already had an aircraft in Valencia,” Major Pampliega recalled. “Our initial priorities were searching for potential victims and flying logistics missions to deliver water and to transport personnel and operational equipment. As the days passed, our role shifted towards reconnaissance of specific zones, including urban areas and the Poyo ravine. We provided essential support in determining where efforts should be directed and identifying the best ways of repairing dams and restoring other infrastructure. It was a tough mission for the crew because it was all so close to home.”
The Army also contributed with its NH90s, known as ‘Sarrios’. Lieutenant Colonel of Cavalry Iñaki Ochoa, formerly of the 3rd Manoeuvre Helicopter Battalion, explained: “Our first task was to rescue people and get them to safety; that was the priority in those initial stages. From the third day onwards, our focus shifted towards transporting personnel and equipment to hard-to-reach areas and carrying out reconnaissance missions to assess damaged infrastructure.” He added, “You could see in people’s eyes how grateful they were that we were there. Every little bit of help is welcome when you’re caught up in a disaster of that scale.”
Overseas Missions
The NH90 has also been deployed abroad. In Mali, the Army operated the helicopter in challenging conditions. “Like any first-time overseas deployment, it required extensive preparation and logistical planning,” said Ochoa. “But once we arrived, the helicopters performed superbly, especially considering the country’s extreme climate. Mali has two seasons – wet and dry – each challenging in its own way. During the wet season we were constantly flying through storms, but the helicopter did a fantastic job thanks to its weather radar. The challenge in the dry season was the dust, which is one of the toughest environments for a helicopter to deal with, but even then, we achieved a very high level of operational readiness.”
Industrial Contribution and Future Outlook
Spain plays an active role in the global NH90 programme by manufacturing all front and centre fuselages and carrying out pre-assembly work. Around 200 people in Getafe and Albacete are employed in engineering, programmes, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and aerostructures related to the NH90.
On 13 May 2025, the Ministry of Defence signed a framework agreement with Airbus Helicopters under the Spanish National Helicopter Plan. The agreement foresees an expansion of the NH90 fleet across the services.
