The Spanish Navy has taken delivery of its first two NH90 tactical transport helicopters, marking a major step in its ongoing modernization plans. Built at Airbus’s facility in Albacete, these aircraft are part of a second order that includes seven helicopters, adding to a total fleet of 23 planned units under Spain’s NH90 program.
This version of the NH90, known as the MSPT (Multi-Role Support Transport), is tailored to meet the Navy’s needs for missions such as amphibious troop transport and support operations. Notable features include stronger landing gear, specialized naval communication and navigation systems, and folding mechanisms for both the main rotor and the tail section—making the helicopters better suited for use on ships. Each aircraft can carry up to 20 fully equipped soldiers or a light vehicle, and is designed to fly in poor weather or at night, even with just one pilot using instrument flight rules (IFR).
Fernando Lombo, head of Airbus Helicopters in Spain, highlighted the joint effort between the Spanish Ministry of Defence, the Navy, and Airbus teams: “Through close cooperation, we’ve also completed crew training in Albacete, and the helicopters are set to begin operations from Rota Naval Base this summer.”
With this delivery, the NH90 is now in service with all three branches of Spain’s armed forces—the Army, Air and Space Force, and Navy—underscoring its role as a shared platform for multiple mission types. Earlier in May, the Spanish government and Airbus signed a broader agreement as part of a national plan to further expand helicopter capabilities across the military.
