Spain approves acquisition of more H135 helicopters, CH-47F self-defence systems

Spain's Council of Ministers on 8 November approved contracts for the acquisition of H135 light multipurpose helicopters and self-defence systems for CH-47F heavy transport helicopters, the presidency of the Spanish government announced the same day.

EUR310 million (nearly USD355 million) was approved for the purchase of 18 H135s for the Spanish Navy and Air Force and 18 for the Guardia Civil and police. The Spanish government said the joint acquisition for the ministries of defence and interior was for training and support helicopters. It added that the helicopters are fully developed aircraft, so the modifications proposed by the two ministries would not be expensive or take long to make.

The contract will be part of the government's stimulus package for the Spanish aeronautics industry in face of the Covid-19 pandemic.

EUR35 million was approved for a contract running until 2029 to equip Spanish Army CH-47Fs with a state-of-the-art self-protection system with a fully digital architecture and advanced electronic warfare systems.