Helicopters

The Spanish government has placed a massive order with Eurocopter to upgrade the country's police fleet, in a deal that will see the creation of a local assembly line.

In the deal announced today, the Spanish interior ministry will acquire 48 EC135 light twin helicopters, launching a major rotorcraft upgrade programme for country’s two police forces, the Guardia Civil (pictured below) and Cuerpo Nacional de Policía.  The aircraft will join the three EC135s already in service.

As part of the deal, Eurocopter has agreed to establish an assembly line for the EC135 at Eurocopter España's site in Albacete, central Spain.  The airframer also plans to develop and install at the site special mission equipment for its helicopter family.

"Today’s announcement is a great success for Eurocopter since we consider Spain as being one of the most important helicopter markets in terms of strategic growth", says Fabrice Brégier, Eurocopter president.

Spain's Eurocopter fleet was bolstered in 2003 when it ordered 24 Tiger attack helicopters for delivery from next year and then last May the country's armed forces committed to 45 NH90 transport helicopters from Europe's NH Industries, of which Eurocopter holds a 62.5%.

Eurocopter says today’s decision will "further consolidate and strengthen Eurocopter España as the third pillar of the Eurocopter Group and will promote the creation of employment and auxiliary industry."