Romania orders 12 Airbus H160 and H145 helicopters for emergency and security missions

Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs for 12 multi-role aircraft, comprising seven Airbus H160 and five Airbus H145 helicopters. The procurement forms part of the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, aimed at strengthening civil protection, emergency response, and public safety capabilities across the European Union (EU).

Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, commented: “By deploying these advanced platforms under the SAFE program, Romania is significantly enhancing its operational readiness.”

The new fleet will be operated by Romania’s General Inspectorate of Aviation under the coordination of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU), supporting national capabilities in emergency management, civil protection, and public order.

The H160s will be split between civil protection, disaster relief, public order, and surveillance roles. The H145s will be dedicated to the SMURD emergency medical service (EMS) and mountain rescue operations, including rapid medical intervention, evacuation, and search and rescue (SAR) missions.

Airbus has maintained a presence in Romania for over two decades across helicopter, defense, and space activities. The H145 family is widely used globally for emergency missions, while the H160 incorporates Helionix avionics, Blue Edge rotor blades, and improved fuel efficiency, reducing noise and emissions for public service operations.

Metro Aviation, a provider of completion services for helicopters, is advancing development of its supplemental type certificate (STC) for the Airbus H160, with approval expected later this month.