Tokyo Fire Department to add new H225 helicopter to fleet

The Tokyo Fire Department has selected Airbus Helicopters to supply a new H225 aircraft, following a successful tender. The acquisition is part of the Department’s ongoing fleet modernization strategy and will replace an older aircraft to support a range of critical missions, including search and rescue (SAR), aerial firefighting, emergency medical service, and disaster response.

“For nearly six decades, Airbus has stood alongside the Tokyo Fire Department in their unwavering commitment to public safety and disaster response,” said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “The Tokyo Fire Department's continued trust in the H225 reflects the reliability and adaptability that our helicopters bring to every mission. With its proven versatility and endurance across all conditions, the H225 is well equipped to support their lifesaving work for years to come.”

The H225, part of Airbus’ Super Puma family, is known for its long-range capability, robust performance in demanding conditions, and ability to carry substantial payloads. The helicopter will be configured specifically for the Department’s needs, featuring a built-in SAR mode for fast target acquisition, emergency stretchers for medical evacuation, and a belly-mounted water tank for firefighting operations.

The Tokyo Fire Department first entered the world of rotary aviation in 1967 with an Allouette III, beginning a decades-long collaboration with Airbus. Its current rotorcraft fleet includes three H225s and three AS365s.

The new addition brings the number of H225s operated by the department to four. Across Japan, 24 H225s are in service with the Ministry of Defense and other government agencies, supporting operations from rescue and firefighting to VIP transport and logistics.

This latest procurement underscores the Tokyo Fire Department’s ongoing commitment to maintaining high levels of operational readiness with technologically advanced and mission-capable aircraft.

In March, Japan Self-Defense Force helicopters were deployed to help battle a massive wildfire near Ofunato in Iwate Prefecture – the largest Japan has seen in over 50 years.