King Felipe VI visited the Rota Naval Base on Tuesday, April 28, to inspect the Navy's new NH90 and H135 helicopters, as well as other assets such as drones and Harrier jets. During the day, the monarch took a 40-minute flight aboard the NH90, the most advanced helicopter in the fleet, of which there are currently three units, with plans to add four more in the second half of 2026.
NH90 and H135: the new rotary eyes of the Spanish fleet 🚁
The NH90 is a medium tactical transport helicopter, designed for anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue missions. With capacity for 20 soldiers or 4,600 kilos of cargo, its five-blade rotor and fly-by-wire systems allow it to operate in adverse weather conditions. The lighter H135 is used for training and evacuations. The Navy plans to receive four additional NH90s by 2026, completing a fleet of seven units that will replace the veteran SH-60B Seahawk.
Don Felipe takes a flight: 40 minutes of testing without getting dizzy ✈️
The monarch boarded the NH90 and flew over the Bay of Cádiz for 40 minutes. It is unknown if he asked for a window seat or if the pilot did any loops, but everything suggests the flight was smooth. Meanwhile, the Harriers rested on the runway, jealous that the new toy stole all the spotlight. And the truth is, even a king knows that in aviation, the important thing is not to lose your head... even if the budget goes through the roof.