Airbus H135
in
Airbus Helicopters España

First announced in July 2020 and confirmed exactly one year later, a helicopter procurement master plan (PDOH, Plan Director de Obtención de Helicópteros) is a government-funded programme designed to support Airbus’ Albacete helicopter plant and includes the supply of the H135 helicopter to the Spanish armed forces and police. The H135 is built in Germany, but the Spanish factory is responsible for the final assembly and/or completion of the aircraft.

In a first phase, expected to be completed between 2023 and 2026, 11 helicopters will be delivered to the Air Force to replace the S-76, and another seven to replace the Navy’s MD500s. In both cases, the helicopters will have a primary training mission, although the Navy aircraft may be navalised. At the same time, 18 helicopters will be delivered to replace the current fleets of both the Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) and the National Police (nine each). In a planned second phase, 23 additional aircraft will replace Air Force EC120 and Army EC135 helicopters, bringing the total number of H135s to be acquired to 59.

At HeliExpo 2022, the selection of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206B3 over Safran to supply the engines for the new helicopters was announced.

The last of the 36 helicopters ordered in 2021 was delivered in September 2025.

In December 2025, a second order of 13 aircraft was placed, including 12 for the Military Helicopter School and one additional helicopter for the Navy.