Delivery to Armada Española is expected in May 2025, once all systems are certified, and the assigned personnel complete their training. Given that it's a new and more advanced model, this process will take approximately a year.
These helicopters, along with others of the same version, will be assigned to the newly established 14 Escuadrilla, which will operate seven NH90s. It is expected that all of these will be delivered by the end of 2026.
This milestone for the Navy occurred days after two Airbus Helicopters H135s arrived at the Rota naval base from the Albacete factory.
The NH90s will replace the Sikorsky SH-60F, used as a temporary solution, as well as the Sikorsky SH-3D of the Fifth Squadron, retired in 2022, and the Agusta Bell AB-212 of the Third Squadron, scheduled for retirement in July 2024.
The construction of these initial seven NH90s for the Navy will take place at Airbus Helicopters facilities in Donauworth. The rear fuselage will be assembled in Albacete, then sent to Germany for final assembly of the helicopters. After testing in Germany, the helicopters will be transferred to Albacete for final certification, mission system installation, and delivery to the Navy.
In Rota, facilities used by the Sixth Squadron will be demolished to build a new hangar for the NH90s.
The NH90 MSPT incorporates improvements such as an automatic folding system for the rotor blades and rear fuselage, a new exhaust gas outlet system, transmission, engine management, AIS location system, and increased takeoff capacity. Additionally, it will be equipped with a floating beacon to emit GPS signals in case of an accident.
In summary, these NH90 MSPT helicopters, intended for the Spanish Navy, represent a new era in transport and amphibious assault capabilities, marking a significant technological advancement for Spain's maritime operations.
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