Germany’s armed forces have sealed a deal with Airbus Helicopters to buy up to 82 of its multirole H145M light attack helicopters, marking the largest order placed for the aircraft, the manufacturer said Thursday.
The German Bundeswehr’s purchase contact is for 62 firm orders with an option to buy 20 more and includes seven years of support and services, Airbus Helicopters said. From that order, 57 H145Ms will be headed to the German Army, and five will be received by Luftwaff special forces.
The aircraft is set to replace the military’s Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopter, according to military officials.
“When purchasing the helicopter, the Bundeswehr deliberately chose a type of helicopter that was available on the market and was already used by the special forces and for rescue missions,” the German military said in a statement.
Deliveries will occur over a four-year period beginning in 2024. The aircraft will be based at the International Helicopter Training Center in Bückeburg, Germany, Army locations in Niederstetten, Fritzlar, and Faßberg, as well as the Air Force’s Laupheim Air Base, the Bundeswehr said.
“The H145M is a robust multirole helicopter, and the German Air Force has gained a significant amount of operational experience with its H145M LUH Special Operations Forces (SOF) fleet,” Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said in a statement.
The Bundeswehr operates 16 H145M LUH SOF variants and 8 H145 LUH SAR variants.
The military variant of the light, twin-engine H145 helicopter is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines and is equipped with the Airbus Helicopter-developed HForce weapon management system, hoisting and external cargo capabilities, and the ability to potentially operate with manned-unmanned teaming integration.
“Within minutes, the helicopter can be reconfigured from a light attack role with axial ballistic and guided weapons and a state-of-the-art self-protection system into a special operations version including fast rappelling equipment,” Airbus Helicopter said in a statement.
The U.S. Army has a fleet of more than 500 helicopters from the H145 platform, which operates as UH-72 Lakota. The military variant is also operated by Hungary, Serbia, Thailand, and Luxembourg, according to the manufacturer. Additionally, Cyprus has placed an order for six of the helicopters, it added.
Check out the versatility of the #H145M! 🚁 From tactical transport, special operations to light attack, witness its impressive agility and capabilities. #MakingMissionsPossible pic.twitter.com/ncCjSBJiQM
— Airbus Helicopters (@AirbusHeli) December 14, 2023
