Airbus delivers two new H225M helicopters to France

Airbus Helicopters has delivered two H225M helicopters to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA). These helicopters, nicknamed Caracal, are the first of eight aircraft ordered in 2021. They will be operated by the French Air and Space Force, replacing Pumas currently in service overseas (in French Guiana, Djibouti and New Caledonia), and will contribute to the harmonization of the French Air and Space Force’s helicopter fleet. They will be used for operational, search and rescue and utility missions. 

“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,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “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 Caracal,” he added. “The French Air and Space Air Force will benefit from all the innovations that have been implemented on the H225M since the helicopter started operations in 2006 with the French armed forces, further expanding the capabilities of this unique aircraft.”

Like all newly built H225Ms, the eight helicopters ordered by France in 2021 are equipped with state-of-the-art avionics. For the French H225Ms, that includes the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system and Sigma inertial navigation system. New equipment also includes the Thales VUHF radio TRA 6034 and IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) transponder TSC 4000. 

According to Airbus, there are more than 350 H225s and H225Ms in service, totaling more than 880,000 flight hours. As well as France, military customers include Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, the Netherlands, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary.

Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA) recently announced that it will receive a new Airbus H145 D3 helicopter later this year.