France acquires 42 new H145 helicopters for Civil Security and the National Gendarmerie

This contract plans to renew the Civil Security fleet with the acquisition of 36 new aircraft between 2024 and 2028 due to the very heavy demand on its helicopters. The National Gendarmerie are looking to acquire six of the new helicopters between 2025 and 2028, intended for the Gendarmerie aerial sections of Amiens and Chamonix, then Cayenne.

The new H145 helicopters are to replace the outdated and tired fleet of the EC145 craft that make up the two fleets of the MIOT, particularly used overseas and in high terrain.

The rotorcraft will be equipped with glass cockpits and four-axis autopilot to improve flight safety. The H145 also has greater engine power, allowing it to carry more intervention personnel or equipment. The H145 is also better than its predecessor for handling and control in the event of crosswinds – a condition often encountered at high altitude – which is a preferred area for Civil Security operations. The aircraft will also come with five-blade rotors and Fenestron technology, significantly improving performance and providing a larger flight envelope.

The H145 helicopter will carry a very high-performance optical and thermal camera for its observation and research missions. It will also be equipped with a fast-roping boom for the projection of specialized intervention units. An armor kit will strengthen the protection of the crew and passengers for the most sensitive counterterrorism missions or the fight against illegal gold mining. An onboard mission system will allow better communication and interoperability with the internal security forces for whose benefit the helicopter will be engaged.

It will also be equipped with a winch for search and rescue missions, both in high-altitude mountainous environments and in maritime environments.

Finally, to face the challenges of global warming, the new H145 helicopters will be able to have a waterbomber helicopter capacity of nearly 1,000L that will allow Civil Security to have an immediate attack capacity on emerging fires throughout the territory.

The Lithuania State Border Guard Service recently ordered three H145s.