Eurocopter Tiger HAD
The multi-role Tiger for France and Spain — 14% more engine power, Hellfire or Spike missiles · Ordered 2004 · Combat-capable (France) 2014
The HAD (Hélicoptère d'Appui Destruction) replaced the planned French anti-tank HAC and became the standard Tiger for France and Spain. Its MTR390-E engines are about 14% more powerful than the original MTR390-2C, raising maximum take-off weight to 6,600 kg, and it combines the 30 mm gun turret with Hellfire II or Spike ER anti-armour missiles.
Spain chose the HAD in September 2003 and ordered 24 in December 2004; France ordered 40 the same month. Spanish deliveries began in 2007, and the first Spanish-assembled HAD-E flew at Albacete on 30 July 2013. Early French Block 1 HADs were declared combat-capable in November 2014.
In March 2022 Airbus agreed with France and Spain on the Tiger Mk III mid-life upgrade, which replaces Hellfire with the MAST-F missile and modernises the avionics. France plans to upgrade 42 helicopters from 2029 and Spain 18 from 2030.
