Airbus officially delivers the first two NH90 MSPT 'Sable' aircraft to the Spanish Navy

The 14th Squadron of the Spanish Navy, formed in May 2024, finally has its first two helicopters a year later.

The Spanish Navy begins operating its new NH-90 MSPT 'Sable' helicopters
Airbus shows the three Spanish versions of the NH90 military helicopter together at last

This Thursday, at 1:24 p.m. CET, Airbus Helicopters confirmed the official delivery of the first two NH90 MSPTs to the Spanish Navy, stating that finally this European-made helicopter "is now in use by all 3 Spanish military branches", following the previous delivery of the NH90 "Lobo" to the Spanish Air Force and the NH90 "Sarrio" to the Spanish Army. On Twitter, Airbus Helicopters shared this video containing statements by Frigate Captain Javier Moreno, commander of the 14th Squadron:

The #NH90 is now in use by all 3 Spanish military branches! 🚁🇪🇸
We've delivered the first two NH90 MSPT helicopters to the Spanish Navy, enhancing their strategic capabilities. Cdr. Javier Moreno shares insights. #MakingMissionsPossible #VuelaEspaña pic.twitter.com/LSsgr7oSO3

— Airbus Helicopters (@AirbusHeli) May 29, 2025

"We've delivered the first two NH90 MSPT helicopters to the Spanish Navy, enhancing their strategic capabilities," Airbus Helicopters said. In a a statement posted on its website, the company said the delivery took place from Airbus' facility in Albacete. "These two helicopters are the first of seven navalised NH90s acquired as part of the second batch of Spain’s NH90 programme, which totals 23 aircraft."

"The MSPT variant of the NH90 is specifically designed to meet the rigorous operational requirements of the Spanish Navy for amphibious tactical transport. Key enhancements include a reinforced landing gear, specific naval communications and navigation equipment as well as automatic folding systems for the main rotor blades and rear fuselage, optimising the helicopter for shipboard operations," notes Airbus Helicopters. "These features will enable the NH90 to transport up to 20 fully equipped troops or a light vehicle, and conduct IFR (instrument flight rules) operations with a single pilot, even in challenging night-time conditions and adverse weather."

The first two NH90 MSPTs of the Spanish Navy are the HT.29-40 (10346, 01-14-02) and the HT.29-41 (10347, 01-14-03), to which must be added a third, the HT.29-39 (10345, 01-14-01), which remains at the Airbus factory in Albacete as a test aircraft. The nickname chosen by the Air Fleet (FLOAN) for these aircraft is "Sable" (Saber), which will be the radio call sign of the 14th Squadron, whose emblem is a Paramachairodus, a mammal that inhabited the current territory of Spain in prehistoric times, an animal now extinct and which is one of the species known as "saber-toothed" ("dientes de sable", in Spanish).

Fernando Lombo, General Manager of Airbus Helicopters in Spain, said: "We've been able to conduct the training of Navy crews at our Albacete base, ensuring the helicopters can enter service at Rota Naval Base this summer, as planned for the Navy's operational readiness. All our teams remain fully mobilised to ensure a smooth entry into service."

In the video released by Airbus Helicopters, Frigate Captain Javier Moreno points out that "the main mission that will be assigned to these helicopters will be troop transport and special operations." Regarding the delivery times of the NH90 MSPT fleet to the Spanish Navy, the commander of the 14th Squadron adds: "We will receive three units throughout 2025 and the final quota, which is seven units, will be completed in 2026, with the receipt of four units. To this end, we are preparing the infrastructure of the Rota Naval Base to be able to accommodate these helicopters."

"For me, being assigned command of this squadron is one of the biggest challenges of my career," says Javier Moreno. "Not only me, but the 60 members of the squadron, who are currently in our group, are facing this with great enthusiasm, with great desire, with great effort. We're putting everything we have into it."

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Photos: Airbus Helicopters / Armada Española.