Airbus Helicopters Delivers Two H225Ms to French Air and Space Force

Airbus Helicopters has successfully delivered two H225M helicopters to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA), marking the first of eight helicopters ordered in 2021. These helicopters will be operated by the French Air and Space Force, replacing the older Puma helicopters currently in service in overseas territories such as French Guiana, Djibouti, and New Caledonia. The addition of the H225Ms will also contribute to the harmonisation of the French Air and Space Force’s helicopter fleet. The aircraft will be used for various operational missions, including search and rescue and utility operations.

Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed his pride in the delivery, saying, “The delivery of these two brand new H225Ms to the French Air and Space Force is very symbolic as France was the first operator of the H225M. They have proven on multiple occasions the benefit of this rotorcraft for combat, search and rescue, disaster management and medical evacuation missions. We are very proud that the French Air and Space Force has renewed their trust in the helicopter.”

Even also highlighted the improvements made to the H225M since its initial deployment with the French armed forces in 2006, noting, “The French Air and Space Air Force will benefit from all the innovations that have been implemented on the H225M, further expanding the capabilities of this unique aircraft.”

The eight new helicopters ordered by France, like all newly-built H225Ms, are equipped with state-of-the-art avionics. These include the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system, the Sigma inertial navigation system, and new equipment such as the Thales VUHF radio TRA6034 and the IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) transponder TSC4000.

The H225M has a proven track record for reliability and durability, having been successfully deployed in combat conditions and crisis zones around the world. There are currently over 350 H225s and H225Ms in service, having accumulated more than 880,000 flight hours. Military operators of the aircraft include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, the Netherlands, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary.