Airbus Helicopters has successfully delivered two brand-new H225M helicopters to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA), marking the initial installment of an eight-aircraft order placed in 2021. These advanced rotorcraft are set to bolster the capabilities of the French Air and Space Force, replacing aging Pumas stationed in French Guyana, Djibouti, and New Caledonia. Their deployment aims to enhance operational missions, search and rescue operations, and 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,” according to Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “We are very proud that the French Air and Space Force has renewed their trust in the Caracal. 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,” Even added.
Nicknamed the “Caracal,” the H225M boasts state-of-the-art avionics and cutting-edge systems. The latest deliveries come equipped with the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system, the Sigma inertial navigation system, Thales VUHF radio TRA6034, and the TSC4000 IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) transponder. These enhancements reflect Airbus’s commitment to innovation and operational excellence.
The H225M has earned a stellar reputation for reliability and resilience in demanding environments worldwide. More than 350 units of the H225 and its military variant, the H225M, are currently in service, collectively accumulating over 880,000 flight hours. Countries operating the H225M include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, the Netherlands, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary.