Spanish Navy receives last refurbished AB-212 helicopter

The last of seven AB-212 helicopters refurbished for the Spanish Navy was handed over on the first day of the International Defence and Security Fair (FEINDEF) held in Madrid on 29-31 May.

Spain has received its seventh and last upgraded AB-212 at FEINDEF 2019Photo by: IHS Markit/Nicholas Fiorenza

Now converted to a multi-purpose role from the anti-submarine one they had when they entered service from 1974 onwards, the helicopters have become a showcase for attracting cost-conscious countries looking to save on buying new, according to one of the partners in the project.

Diego Rodriguez, director of Space and Defense at SENER, which carried out the work with Babcock, told Jane's that the contract signed with the Spanish Navy had been the first of its kind for his company.