Netherlands orders H225Ms
The country is acquiring 14 new Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters for use by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNAF)
The helicopters, which are designed for troop transport, casualty evacuation, and combat search and rescue duties, will be phased in to replace the country’s 30-year-old AS532 Cougar fleet.
The aircraft will begin deliveries from early 2028, and will be under the control of the RNAF’s Defence Helicopter Command. They will be stationed at the Gilze-Rijen Air Base.
Airbus will also provide the Dutch government with new mission equipment and a ‘temporary simulation capability’ to provide training in the operation of the new fleet.
Meanwhile, an upgrade is being provided to extend the operational life of 12 of the RNAF’s Cougar helicopters to extend their lifespan until 2030.
Brazil ordered 27 H125 helicopters from Airbus for use by the country’s Navy and Air Force in September 2022.
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.