Airbus Helicopters has delivered two new H225M helicopters to the French Directorate General for Armaments (DGA). This delivery marks an important step in the modernization and harmonisation of the French Air Force's helicopter fleet.
The new machines, which are intended to replace the Pumas, will be used mainly in the French overseas territories such as French Guiana, Djibouti and New Caledonia. The H225M, also known as the "Caracal", is used in a wide range of operational missions, including search and rescue missions and supply operations. The delivery of these helicopters follows an order for a total of eight machines in 2021 to meet the French armed forces' ongoing need for powerful and modern rotorcraft.
Symbolic delivery for the French armed forces
The handover of the two helicopters to the French Aerospace Force is particularly significant as France was the first operator of the H225M. These helicopters have been an indispensable tool for various military and civilian tasks since they first entered service in 2006. The H225M has proven its performance particularly in search and rescue missions, disaster management and medical evacuations. Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, stressed that France, as the first operator, has already taken advantage of the benefits of the helicopter on several occasions and that confidence in the model has not been lost even after almost two decades. The French Aerospace Force will benefit from the numerous innovations that have been incorporated into the French Armed Forces since the H225M was first introduced.
The H225M helicopters are characterized by their reliability and versatility. They are particularly robust and able to operate under extreme conditions in crisis areas and during combat operations. The H225M is also valued for supplying troops and carrying out search and rescue missions in areas with limited infrastructure.
Modernized avionics and innovative equipment
The new H225M helicopters, ordered for the French armed forces in 2021, are equipped with the latest technology. This includes, among other things, a sophisticated avionics system, which is intended for all newly built H225M helicopters. In particular, the helicopters have been equipped with Safran's Euroflir 410 electro-optical system, which enables precise target acquisition and surveillance. The Sigma inertial navigation system ensures precise and reliable navigation even in the most difficult operational areas. The new machines are also equipped with a Thales VUHF radio, the TRA6034, and a TSC4000 IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) transponder, which enables reliable identification of friendly and enemy units.
This advanced equipment will enable the French Aerospace Forces to carry out their operations even more efficiently. The new technologies not only improve the safety of flight operations, but also help to expand the capabilities of the helicopters, particularly in complex and dangerous missions.
Successful record of the H225M worldwide
The H225M has proven itself to be extremely reliable in numerous missions around the world. More than 350 H225 and H225M helicopters are now in service and have already completed more than 880.000 flight hours. International users of the model include, in addition to France, military customers from Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, the Netherlands, Kuwait, Brazil and Hungary. In recent years, the H225M has emerged as one of the preferred options for military helicopters around the world, underlining the model's versatility and durability.
The H225M is particularly valued for its robustness and performance under extreme conditions. It has proven its efficiency in various crisis areas and is an indispensable tool in both military conflicts and humanitarian missions.
A helicopter for numerous missions
The delivery of the two new H225M helicopters to the French Aerospace Force represents a significant step in the further development and modernisation of the French fleet. Equipped with the latest technology, the H225M will continue to play a central role in search and rescue missions as well as in military logistics.
The H225M has already proven itself in numerous crisis and combat missions around the world, which underlines its importance for the French armed forces and its international partners. With the delivery of the new helicopters, France will further increase its ability to carry out demanding missions while advancing the harmonization of its air fleet.
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