Spain’s fleet of Kamov Ka-32A11BC firefighting helicopters has been withdrawn from service after European Union sanctions against Russia disrupted access to spare parts and manufacturer-supported maintenance, according to statements by Spanish officials and political representatives.
At least 10 Ka-32A11BC helicopters previously operated by Spanish firefighting agencies are no longer available for wildfire suppression missions. The aircraft had been used under contracts involving Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition and regional authorities, operating from bases in Andalusia, Aragon, Extremadura and Guadalajara.
The Ka-32 fleet has been inactive since 2024, after restrictions on Russian aerospace companies prevented the supply of components and the deployment of technical specialists required for maintenance and certification support. Madrid has acknowledged that sanctions affected the continued operation of the aircraft but has not sought an EU exemption to permit technical support for the helicopters.