Spanish Army Helicopters Take Part in INTECAP 26 Exercise

 

Spanish Army aviation assets have played a central role in the latest edition of the INTECAP 26 exercise, a key training event focused on integrating combat capabilities and refining air assault operations.

The exercise brought together airborne units from the Brigada Paracaidista and aviation elements from the Fuerzas Aeromóviles del Ejército de Tierra, with the aim of improving interoperability and synchronizing procedures for future high-intensity scenarios.

Rotary-wing platforms were at the core of the exercise. The heavy-lift CH-47F Chinook enabled the rapid deployment of troops and equipment, including artillery, into forward areas. Meanwhile, the EC665 Tiger provided armed escort and close air support, ensuring protection and firepower during air assault operations.

Also participating were the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar helicopters, which contributed to troop transport and tactical mobility, adding another layer of flexibility to the overall operation.

The combination of these platforms highlights the Spanish Army’s focus on air-ground integration. Transport helicopters deliver combat units where needed, while attack helicopters secure the environment and support forces on the ground, enabling coordinated and rapid-response operations.

INTECAP 26 reflects a broader effort by the Spanish Army to enhance readiness for complex missions, particularly those involving rapid deployment and joint operations within a NATO framework.

Spain Temporarily Redeploys Troops in Iraq Amid Rising Regional Tensions Linked to Iran

 

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has decided to temporarily relocate Spanish military personnel deployed in Iraq due to what it describes as a “deteriorating security situation” in the region amid growing tensions involving Iran.

According to an official statement released by the ministry, the decision involves the temporary redeployment of the Special Operations Task Group (SOTG) currently stationed in Iraq. The move was taken after operational conditions made it impossible to continue carrying out the unit’s assigned tasks safely.

Following the redeployment, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that all Spanish personnel are now located in secure positions and safe, although the new locations have not been disclosed for security reasons.

The redeployment was conducted in close coordination with Iraqi authorities and with the support of the international coalition fighting the Islamic State, ensuring that allied and partner nations were kept informed throughout the process.

Spain’s Military Presence in Iraq

Spain currently participates in two international missions in Iraq:

• NATO Mission Iraq
• Operation Inherent Resolve

Within Operation Inherent Resolve, Spain deploys the Special Operations Task Group, which has been responsible for training Iraqi counterterrorism units.

In total, around 275 Spanish troops are deployed in Iraq according to figures from the Estado Mayor de la Defensa.

Role of the International Coalition

The coalition against Islamic State includes around 60 countries and is led by the United States. Its mission focuses on:

• Conducting targeted strikes against jihadist positions in Syria and Iraq
• Supporting the training and restructuring of Iraqi armed forces
• Helping the Iraqi government regain full territorial control

Spanish instructors carry out much of their training activity at the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center, where they help prepare Iraqi counterterrorism units.

Long-Term Spanish Commitment

Spain’s participation in the mission dates back to 2014, when NATO allies agreed to support Iraq following the rise of ISIS. The deployment was authorized by the Congress of Deputies of Spain on 22 October 2014, after discussions at the 2014 NATO Wales Summit.

Although the original mandate was limited to six months, the mission has been repeatedly extended at the request of coalition partners. It is also backed by United Nations Security Council resolutions and supported by the European Union.

Despite the temporary redeployment, Spanish authorities stressed that Spain’s commitment to the international coalition and to Iraq’s stability remains unchanged.

However, the Ministry of Defence acknowledged that the current volatility and fragility of the regional security environment require precautionary measures to ensure the protection of Spanish forces.

The decision highlights how the escalating tensions in the Middle East—particularly those involving Iran—are beginning to affect coalition deployments and operational planning across the region.

Beyond Patriot: Spain May Be Exploring a European Air Defense Solution

Recent reports of a cooperation agreement between Indra and Diehl Defence on ground-based air defense systems may represent more than just an industrial partnership.

While details remain limited, the agreement could hint at a broader strategic direction for Spain: greater participation in European air defense technology and reduced dependence on non-European systems.

A Logical Industrial Partnership

The collaboration between Indra and Diehl makes sense from a technological perspective.

Diehl Defence is the manufacturer of the IRIS-T SLM, one of Europe’s most modern ground-based air defense systems. The system has gained significant attention in recent years following its operational deployment in Ukraine, where it has been credited with strong performance against cruise missiles, drones, and aircraft.

Indra, on the other hand, is one of Europe’s leading developers of advanced radar systems, sensor networks and command-and-control software

These capabilities are essential components of modern integrated air defense systems.

In practical terms, this means Spain could contribute radar, sensors, and system integration, while Diehl provides the missile and launcher technology.

Spain’s Current Air Defense Situation

At present, Spain’s long-range air defense capability is largely based on the MIM-104 Patriot, operated by the Ejército de Tierra.

However, the number of available systems is limited, and like many NATO countries, Spain faces growing pressure to strengthen its layered air defense architecture.

Across Europe, the trend is clear: countries are investing in multi-layered air defense, combining long-range missile defense with medium-range and short-range systems designed to counter drones, cruise missiles, and aircraft.

The European Context: Sky Shield

Germany has been actively promoting the European Sky Shield Initiative, a project aimed at building a coordinated European air defense network.

Within that concept:

• long-range missile defense systems handle ballistic threats
• medium-range systems like IRIS-T provide area defense
• short-range systems counter drones and low-altitude targets

If Spain were to adopt or participate in the IRIS-T ecosystem, it could integrate more deeply into this European defense architecture while ensuring industrial participation for its own companies.

Beyond the military dimension, the partnership could have major implications for Spain’s defense industry.

Participation in a European air defense program could allow Spain to integrate Indra radar technology into future systems, secure industrial workshare and production opportunities and develop expertise in networked air defense architecture

In other words, Spain would not simply be buying a system, but participating in its development and evolution.

A Step Toward Strategic Autonomy?

The agreement does not necessarily mean Spain will purchase IRIS-T systems in the near future. Industrial cooperation agreements often precede procurement decisions by several years.

However, the timing is notable. As European countries reassess their defense posture and supply chains, partnerships like this may represent an early step toward greater European defense technological independence.

If the cooperation deepens, Spain could eventually play a significant role in the next generation of European integrated air defense systems.

NEWS 2022 March, 24

Spain interested in Horus-Shield Anti-Drone System

A few weeks ago, a demonstration of the operation of the anti-drone system , from Thales, Horus Shield (part of Eagle Shield Thales’ solution), took place at the airfield of the Segovia town of Marugán. This demonstration is part of the tests approved by the Spanish Army as part of the Fuerza 2035/BRIEX 2035 initiative, which aims to adapt the Spanish Army to the operational environment foreseen for that year.

The event, was attended by personnel from Army units and from the Spanish General Directorate of Armament and Material (DGAM).

Horus Shield is a versatile anti-drone system; offering numerous information to the user on a single screen.

thalesgroup

New engine will keep B-52 until 2050

The re-engining is the centerpiece of an upgrade that will keep the Stratofortress operationally relevant for another 30 years. The contract for the B-52 Commercial Engine Replacement Program (CERP) was awarded last fall. Two new F130 engines have been built and if development and testing proceeds as planned, the first re-engined B-52s will be operational in about five years. Upgrades include “new engines, a new radar, Advanced Extremely High Frequency and Very Low Frequency communications improvements, data link updates and cryptologic improvements, as well as several smaller efforts.  

The B-52 will also be the initial platform for the AGM-183 Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon, or ARRW, USAF’s first hypersonic missile, as well as the sole platform for the nuclear AGM-181 Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) missile.  The F130 is a militarized version of Rolls-Royce’s commercial BR725, which the Air Force flies on its C-37 VIP transport and E-11 BACN (Battlefield Airborne Communications Node). After a three-year contest in which Rolls bested GE Aviation and Pratt & Whitney, the company won a $500.9 million initial contract in September 2021, to develop and test the F130 on the B-52. Once complete, Rolls will provide some 650 F130s to equip 76 B-52s. Each F130 engine will replace one Pratt & Whitney TF33. The overall program is valued at about $2.6 billion.

airforcemag

Russian Navy is firing anti-ship missiles against ground targets in Ukraine 

New Videos Show Russian Navy Firing 8 Naval Cruise Missiles From the Black Sea

The Russian Navy fired eight long-range naval cruise missiles from a guided-missile warship near the Black Sea port of Sevastopol, according to multiple videos of the launch on several posts on social media.

Several posts on Instagram and Telegram show a video of eight missiles launching from a ship operating off the coast of Crimea that bear the same characteristics of a Kalibr NK SS-N-30 naval guided cruise missile, which launches vertically and then quickly pivots 90 degrees to travel parallel to the ground.

The Russian Navy has been largely operating in a supporting role throughout the 27-day invasion and has not played a direct role in the conflict, aside from an early amphibious assault outside of Mariupol.

usni 

Spain procures Aeronautics Orbiter UAVs

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has selected the Aeronautics Orbiter 3 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to help monitor its forces' bases during overseas missions.
The Israeli company was up against the Fulmar, designed by Thales' Spanish arm, but its Madrid-based distributor, Aicox Soluciones, confirmed on 8 October that Aeronautics had won the EUR3.1 million (USD3.6 million) deal.
The Orbiter 3 was tested by Spain's Brigada de la Legion at the beginning of 2018 as part of the country's ongoing Rapaz UAV trials programme.
The contract will cover two systems comprising three UAVs each, with logistical support provided by Aicox Soluciones.
The Orbiter 3 was specially designed for the intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) role that the Spanish are seeking to protect their troops on overseas missions.
David Ing-janes

Spanish Patriot Missiles Deployed and Working in Turkey’s South

Spainish Patriot air defense missiles have been deployed in the southern Turkish province of Adana, as part of Turkey’s request for NATO assistance on the country’s border with Syria.
The battery commander of the Spanish Patriot air defense missile system, said they have deployed Patriot missiles at the General Recai Engin barracks in Adana.
Five launchers are now active. All the launchers are equipped with four missiles. The missiles are specifically designed for any ballistic missile threats and have been deployed to destroy such missiles, if any are fired.
Spain decided in September to send Patriot missiles to Turkey as part of its NATO obligations to replace units from the Netherlands which were being withdrawn. Naval ships carrying the missiles arrived at the port of Iskenderun in Turkey’s southern province of Hatay on Jan. 9.
The U.S., Germany and the Netherlands each sent two Patriot batteries in 2012 to bolster Turkish air defense in response to a request from Ankara for NATO assistance for Turkey’s border security against any possible attack from Syria. The U.S. and German contingents will remain in Turkey.
hurriyetdailynews

Spain buys Patriot Missile Batteries from Germany

Spain has approved the acquisition of a Patriot defense system, surplus from the German Ministry of Defense.
The agreement comprises a central of operations of the and two batteries of forty missiles, carrier vehicles , communications equipment and complementary elements of logistics and maintenance.
The deal is part of NATO 's commitment of support to Turkey against the Islamic threat . Spain will deploy a Patriot Battery to Turkey this winter.
In 2004, the Spanish Army acquired a Patriot battery, equipped with a radar, a Director of fires ( ECS ) and eight launchers capable Centre each to four missiles , including missiles missile capabilities; but did not include the Central Monitoring and Information (CBI ) needed to integrate the battery into the System Air Defence and / or missile or communications systems needed for the link between the ESC and the ICC, covering with security area in its 360 degrees.
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Spain confirms cuts to EC135 order

Spanish government has finally confirmed the financing package for a reduced order of Airbus EC135 training helicopters for the Spanish Army.
An original plan to acquire 12 EC135s has been scaled back to eight helicopters.
The helicopters are destined for the training centre of the army's airmobile forces - FAMET.
Several helicopters had already been partially built at the Airbus plant in Albacete in southeast Spain when the first two of the T2 version.
janes

Amphibious exercise in the Gulf of Cadiz and Sierra del Retin (Spain) involving units Spain, U.S. and Portugal

Ejercicio anfibio en el Golfo de Cádiz y Sierra del Retín en el que participan unidades de #España, #EEUU y #Portugal pic.twitter.com/GjME7awPbc
— Ministerio Defensa (@Defensagob) February 24, 2014

Two EC135s delivered to Spanish Army

Airbus Helicopters’ factory in Spain provided the setting early this week for the delivery of the two EC135 helicopters to the Spanish Army Airmobile Force (FAMET). The aircraft were the first to be delivered as part of a contract for eight EC135s signed on December 27.
The contract also includes a logistics package that will support fleet sustainability in the coming years. The remaining six helicopters will be delivered during the course of 2014, and will also be allocated to the CEFAMET Helicopter School Battalion. These two new units bring the Spanish Ministry of Defense’s total fleet of EC135s to 16 helicopters, making it the world’s leading operator of the EC135 for military use, which is also operational in countries such as Germany and Japan.
The new aircraft will meet the Spanish Army’s pressing need to provide its combat pilots with advanced training in tactical missions. Involving the use of night vision goggles and instrument flights, this training prepares pilots to perform maneuvers and combat missions in larger platforms such as the Cougar, Tiger and the NH90.
airbushelicopters

Spanish army to get first NH90 helicopter before end-2013

Spain will receive its first NH Industries NH90 tactical transport helicopter before the end of 2013, with the launch aircraft having recently performed its first flight from Eurocopter España's Albacete final assembly facility.

Signed in 2006, Madrid's NH90 order now comprises 38 aircraft, with these to be delivered across Spain's three armed services. Its original order was for a combined 45 examples, but this was subsequently reduced because of budget pressures.

Eurocopter says the first Spanish-assembled NH90 will be the first of the type to be delivered to the nation's army, with the event scheduled for later in 2013.

The company staged a formal flight ceremony for the transport in Albacete on 23 January. Its completion follows that of two previous Spanish-variant prototypes, which were assembled at its Marignane site in France.

flightglobal

Afghan troops attack Spanish soldiers on New Year's Eve

Two Afghan soldiers opened fire on Spanish and Afghan troops patrolling in the western Afghan province of Herat last night. The insider (or 'green-on-blue') attack, in which Afghan security forces strike at Coalition allies, is the last such incident recorded in 2012.

The two Afghan soldiers attacked the Spanish troops last night as they patrolled in the Karkh district in Herat, according to Khaama Press. No Spanish or Afghan soldiers were hurt.

The International Security Assistance Force confirmed that the attack took place, and said an investigation had been launched to determine whether the attack was carried out by Afghan troops. An Afghan security official told Khaama Press that the two soldiers were members of the Afghan National Army.

A top Taliban spokesman claimed that the Afghan soldiers, who were from Jalalabad in Nangarhar province, were operating under Taliban orders, the Afghanistan Times reported. The two Afghan soldiers escaped to the Taliban after the attack. The Taliban, who routinely exaggerate casualties caused by their operations, also claimed that four Spanish soldiers were killed in the attack.

longwarjournal

UK AND SPANISH PARAS IN JOINT EXERCISE

Soldiers from Britain’s Parachute Regiment have participated in a joint military exercise in Spain alongside their Spanish airborne counterparts.
The exercise, the first of its kind in Spain with the 1st Parachute Infantry Bandera ‘Roger de Flor’, is aimed at preparing the paratroopers to be deployed anywhere in the world as the first soldiers on the ground.

The Ministry of Defence said Exercise Iberian Eagle marked a significant transition for the soldiers of B Company, 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment (3 PARA), as they resumed their role as part of the Army’s high-readiness Airborne Task Force (ABTF), having served their last operational tour in Afghanistan.

Gibraltar Chronicle

Spanish Navy starts trials with Army Helicopters over LHD-1 'Juan Carlos I' flight deck

FAMET Tiger helicopter

FAMET Cougar helicopter

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