The Spanish Navy received 14 Agusta AB212 helicopters known as Gato (Cat) between 1974 and 1980.
The helicopters were upgraded between 2015 and 2018.
In February 2023 with 7 helicopters still in service, it was announced that the unit (Tercera Escuadrilla) would be disestablished and the aircraft withdrawn on July 31, 2024.
News
Fifth Upgraded AB212 Delivered to Spanish Navy, 27-Feb-18 : Heli-Expo 2018 The fifth of seven AB212 upgraded by SENER/Babcock (ex INAER) was delivered to the Spanish Navy. Used the Astronautics Corporation of America’s multifunction display system (MFDS)
Modernized AB212 Gets New Certification, 31-Jan-18 : Spanish INTA (National Institute of Aerospace Technology) granted technical certificate to the Navy AB212 upgrade joint venture program performed by SENER and Babcock (ex INAER)
Fourth Upgraded AB212 Delivered to Spanish Navy, 04-Aug-17 : SENER and Babcock (ex INAER) delivered the fourth upgraded AB212 helicopter to the Spain Navy. The remaining two, plus the prototype used for testing, will be delivered by end next year
Third Upgraded AB212 Delivered to Spanish Navy, 16-Nov-16 : Third, of seven, upgraded AB212 was delivered by SENER/INAER to the Spanish Navy. Program includes cockpit replacement by a full digital one compatible with night vision googles
Spanish Amphibious Exercise GRUFLEX 61, 14-Nov-16 : 1,200 Spanish marines, elements from the Spanish Army and Air Force along the Portuguese Navy taking part of amphibious exercise GRUFLEX 61 in Cadiz and the Balearic Islands
Second Upgraded AB212 Delivered to Spanish Navy, 29-Mar-16 : FIDAE 2016 SENER, in association with INAER, delivered to the Spanish Navy the second of 7 AB212 upgraded under the life extension program which will lengthening their operational lives by at least 15 years
INAER upgraded Spanish Navy AB212 first flight, 18-Dec-13 : Spanish Navy AB212 helicopters purchased between 1974 and 1980 are being upgraded by INAER in order to extend their operating life beyond 2025
Spanish INTA (National Institute of Aerospace Technology) granted technical certificate to the Navy AB212 upgrade joint venture program performed by SENER and Babcock (ex INAER)
