The German Bundeswehr has placed a large order for up to 82 H145M helicopters from Airbus Helicopters. These include 62 firm orders and 20 options. 

According to Airbus Helicopters, this is the largest single order it has landed for this aircraft to date. The helicopters will be equipped with the HForce weapons management system. The contract also includes seven years of support and services to ensure optimal commissioning. 57 helicopters are planned for the army, the air force's special forces will receive five H145Ms. 

“We are proud that the Bundeswehr has decided to order up to 82 H145M helicopters,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H145M is a very robust military multi-role helicopter. The German Air Force has already gained significant operational experience with its H145M LUH fleet for special forces. We will ensure that the Bundeswehr receives the helicopters in accordance with the very ambitious delivery schedule, which envisages the first deliveries in 2024, less than a year after the contract was signed.” 

The basic version of the H145M ordered will be equipped with permanently installed devices, including the HForce weapon management system developed by Airbus Helicopters. This means that the Bundeswehr can train its pilots on the same type of helicopter that is used in operations and combat. Costly type changes are no longer necessary and the highest level of professionalism is achieved. 

The H145M is a military multi-role helicopter that offers a wide range of operational capabilities. Within minutes, the helicopter can be converted from a light attack role with axial ballistic and guided armament and a state-of-the-art self-protection system to a special operations version that also includes a rappelling device. The comprehensive mission packages also include winch and external load capabilities. In addition, the new German H145M has options for future mission capabilities such as Manned-Unmanned Teaming, as well as the latest data connections and communication systems. 

The H145M is the military version of the proven H145 light twin-engine helicopter. The global fleet of the H145 family has now logged more than seven million flight hours. It is used by armed forces and security agencies around the world for the most demanding missions. The Bundeswehr already operates 16 H145M LUH SOF and eight H145 LUH SAR helicopters. The US Army operates almost 500 helicopters of the H145 family under the name UH-72 Lakota. Other operators of the H145M are Hungary, Serbia, Thailand and Luxembourg; Cyprus has ordered six machines.