A Historic Acquisition
Donauwörth – A milestone contract has been inked between the German Bundeswehr and Airbus Helicopters, marking the procurement of an impressive fleet of up to 82 multi-role H145M helicopters. This agreement, comprising 62 confirmed orders and an additional 20 options, stands as the most substantial order ever recorded for the H145M model, and by extension, the HForce weapon management system. Integral to this contract is a seven-year support and service package, designed to guarantee a seamless integration into operational service. The German Army is set to bolster its capabilities with fifty-seven helicopters, while the Luftwaffe’s elite forces will be equipped with five.
A Testament to Trust and Capability
“We are proud that the Bundeswehr has chosen to expand its fleet with up to 82 H145M helicopters,” stated Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The H145M showcases exceptional versatility and reliability, a testament to the operational proficiency already demonstrated by the German Air Force’s H145M LUH Special Operations Forces fleet. Our commitment is to meet the ambitious delivery timeline, with the first helicopters arriving in 2024, less than a year following the contract’s finalization.”
Unmatched Versatility and Future-Ready
The H145M is celebrated for its multi-role military capabilities, offering an extensive array of mission configurations. Effortlessly transformable, the helicopter can switch from a light attack mode equipped with axial ballistic and guided weaponry, alongside advanced self-protection systems, to a special operations variant complete with rapid rappelling setups. Its mission versatility extends to hoisting and external cargo operations, with the newly acquired German H145Ms featuring options for future enhancements such as Manned-Unmanned Teaming integration and advanced data link and communication systems.
The baseline configuration of the ordered H145Ms will be outfitted with fixed provisions, including Airbus Helicopters’ proprietary HForce weapon management system. This strategic choice facilitates uniformity in pilot training across operational and combat scenarios, eliminating costly transitions between helicopter types and maximizing professional expertise.
The military iteration of the highly successful light twin-engine H145, the H145M has accumulated over seven million flight hours globally, serving in some of the most challenging conditions faced by armed and law enforcement agencies worldwide. The Bundeswehr’s current fleet includes 16 H145M LUH SOF and 8 H145 LUH SAR helicopters, with the U.S. Army operating nearly 500 units of the H145 family under the UH-72 Lakota designation. Additional international operators include Hungary, Serbia, Thailand, Luxembourg, and Cyprus, the latter having recently placed an order for six aircraft.
