Hiroshima, Japan, receives new firefighting Airbus H160
The H160 will replace an existing rotorcraft that has been operated by the city since 2006
Japan’s Hiroshima City Fire Services Bureau has taken delivery of an Airbus H160 helicopter – the first firefighting operator in the world to do so.
The helicopter is due to enter service in early 2026, and will be used in a range of public service missions – including aerial firefighting, search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical services (EMS), and disaster response.
It will be equipped with a firefighting bucket to support its wildfire suppression operations, and will replace one of the Bureau’s existing AS365 N3 helicopters, which has served the city since 2006.
“We take pride in being the first operator in the world to introduce the H160 for firefighting missions,” said Hideki Sadamori, Hiroshima City Fire Services Bureau Chief. “We are confident in its advanced capabilities and performance to significantly enhance and strengthen our city’s firefighting and disaster prevention activities. With this helicopter, we will make every effort to save as many lives as possible.”
Airbus also recently delivered an H160 to Chinese operator GDAT Group for use in medical response, municipal public services, and offshore transportation.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca was a Junior Editor at the Voyageur Group. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.