Spanish Air Force adopts holographic glasses and Link‑16 data link for advanced aircraft maintenance and helicopter comm

The Spanish Air and Space Force is modernising its operations with two new technologies. In partnership with Indra, it has introduced an augmented‑reality headset that lets technicians on deployment receive real‑time visual assistance from remote experts while maintaining fighter aircraft. The system complies with the PERAM military airworthiness regulations, operates on an isolated network and aims to cut downtime and travel costs during international missions.

Separately, the force is testing the tactical data‑link system Link 16 on an H135 helicopter as a precursor to full integration on the NH90 platform. Successful trials demonstrated secure, encrypted exchange of position, status and target data among air, land and naval units, enhancing situational awareness, decision‑making speed and interoperability with NATO allies, especially for personnel‑recovery missions.