Spain approves multi-billion loan to Airbus for 105 helicopters in Albacete
The Spanish government has granted a 3.68 billion euro loan to Airbus to manufacture 105 helicopters, as part of the Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense announced in April. This interest-free, no-guarantee funding will bolster the industry in Albacete, where the aircraft will be produced. The initiative addresses geopolitical tensions and aims to meet the 2% GDP defense spending target.
In April, amid Russian threats and geopolitical tensions, the Spanish government launched the Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense, with a 10.471 million euro investment for 2025 to meet the 2% GDP military spending commitment to the EU and NATO.
The Ministry of Industry and Tourism has approved a multi-year loan of 3.68 billion euros to Airbus, divided into six interest-free, no-guarantee programs. Of this, 2.12 billion euros are allocated to manufacturing 105 helicopters to be acquired by the Ministry of Defense, with production at Airbus Helicopters' facilities in Albacete, employing about 800 people. The factory will sustain operations until 2030, when the final tranche is granted.
Albacete is a global hub: it produces all rear fuselages for Airbus models worldwide, while design and engineering occur in Getafe with 200 engineers. The allocation includes 1 billion euros for 32 NH90-3, 920 million for 54 light multi-purpose helicopters (likely H145), 100 million for 13 H135, and 100 million for six H175. An NH-90 unit costs 31.25 million euros with armament.
The NH90-3, versatile helicopters, will replace obsolete fleets and mark the first NH90 TTH with heavy armament like missiles and rockets, unlike current machine guns. Spain operates 45 units: 16 in the Army (Sarrios), two in the Navy (Sables), and seven in the Air and Space Force (Lobos). This program, from NHIndustries consortium (Airbus, Leonardo, and Fokker), involves six Spanish firms: Indra, THALES, Tecnobit, Oesía, Aernnova, and ITP.
Airbus leads the civil helicopter market with 48% share and ranks second in military units. Over 100 H135 units serve public roles like Police, Civil Guard, and UME. About 20 H145 civil units operate in Spain, with no military version. The H175 will debut in the country, only in civil form for sectors like wind energy.