The renewal of the military air fleet takes a new step after approval by the Council of Ministers of three key contracts for the purchase of multipurpose, light and transport helicopters. The Army will have dozens of new aircraft with different uses. As officially announced, this package will boost the operational capacity of the Air and Space Army and the Navy.
Along with the acquisition of new aircraft, the modernization of existing equipment. The plan involves a joint investment of more than 2000 million euros. Behind the new contracts are different European companies, with the clear prominence of Airbus, which is behind most of the different programs.
With these measures, the Government tries to continue justifying its increase in defense spending, in response to the NATO demands and Donald Trump. It also follows the objectives of the European Union (EU), which aims reduce dependency of non-EU countries with a view to defense development.
The largest contract consists of the acquisition of 31 NH90 multipurpose helicopters for the Armed Forces. This award, which reaches 1,785 million eurosalso contemplates the initial logistical support to guarantee the operation of the devices.
According to the statement, the arrival of these helicopters will allow us to meet the objectives set in the 2020 National Defense Directive and as part of the Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense. They will enhance the necessary capabilities in operations aeromobiles and aeronavalsprojection and protection missions, search and rescuepersonnel recovery and helicarriers.
The official explanation highlights the need to have modern platforms that facilitate the emergency management and response to natural disasters. The contract also provides for the progressive replacement of the current fleet, with HT.21A and HT.27 aircraft, which will cease to be in service from 2026, to leave the leadership under the NH-90, capable of transporting 20 soldiers and reach 300 km/h.
The investment package includes two additional contracts. The first is based on the purchase of six helicopters of support for State action (YOU DO), along with the provision of the necessary logistical support for its entry into operation. This contract is valued at 239.5 million euros and seeks to support emergency management and the modernization of operational logistics support systems.
On the other hand, the second phase of the acquisition plan for H135 light helicopterswhich includes the purchase of 12 new units for the Air Force and the Navy, along with the improvement of the 18 helicopters acquired in the first phase. In this case, the expense corresponds to 237 million of euros.
These aircraft integrate the installation of mission teamsa simulator and technical support for the first five years of activity. The stated objective is to strengthen the preparation and equipment of the Armed Forces, promoting the modernization and expansion of teaching and support capabilities.
