Spanish Army Unveils New Eurocopter Tiger Fighter Helicopter

The Spanish army on Wednesday unveiled its latest acquisition, a Eurocopter Tiger HA-28 HAD attack and destruction helicopter.

The version of the Tiger acquired is an updated adaptation of the six HAP support and protection Tiger copters which already belong to the Spanish army, all of which were called into service during the withdrawal of Spanish troops from Afghanistan in 2013 and 2014.

The new features of the HAD aircraft are the Spike-E anti-tank missile system, which is controlled by the crew so that missiles can be diverted if it is detected that they run the risk of striking the wrong target or causing collateral damage, Spanish News Today reported.

The new Tiger has 14 percent more engine power than its HAD Predecessors. It can carry 500 kilograms more and by 2017 the Spanish armed forces will take delivery of a total 18 of new helicopters at cost 1500 million euros.