Airbus Helicopters announced on 17 January that it has delivered two new H225M helicopters to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA).
The helicopters represent the initial batch of eight aircraft ordered in 2021 and are set to be utilized by the French Air and Space Force, serving as replacements for the Pumas that are presently deployed in overseas regions, including French Guiana, Djibouti, and New Caledonia. This acquisition will aid in the standardization of the helicopter fleet within the French Air and Space Force. Their roles will encompass operational missions, search and rescue operations, as well as utility tasks.
“The delivery of these two brand new H225Ms to the French Air and Space Force is very symbolic as France was the first operator of the H225M. They have proven on multiple occasions the benefit of this rotorcraft for combat, search and rescue, disaster management and medical evacuation missions,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
“We are very proud that the French Air and Space Force has renewed their trust in the Caracal,” he added. “The French Air and Space Air Force will benefit from all the innovations that have been implemented on the H225M since the helicopter started operations in 2006 with the French armed forces, further expanding the capabilities of this unique aircraft.”
The eight H225M helicopters ordered by France are outfitted with advanced avionics technology, featuring the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system alongside the Sigma inertial navigation system. Additionally, they are equipped with the Thales VUHF radio TRA6034 and the TSC4000 IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) transponder.
The H225M has demonstrated its reliability and resilience in various combat scenarios and crisis regions globally and currently, over 350 H225 and H225M helicopters are operational, accumulating more than 880,000 flight hours. Military clients include nations such as France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, the Netherlands, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary.
