German armed forces to buy 82 H145M military helicopters from Airbus

Europe, News December 16, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

The German Armed Forces have signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters to purchase up to 82 multi-role H145M helicopters. This marked the largest-ever order placed for the H145M helicopters with 62 firm orders and an option for 20 more helicopters.

Under the contract, fifty-seven H145M helicopters will be received by the German Army (Bundeswehr), while five helicopters will be delivered to the German Air Force’s (Luftwaffe) special forces. The contract also includes seven years of support and services, ensuring optimal entry into service.

Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said that their company is proud that the “Bundeswehr has decided to order up to 82 H145M helicopters,” and added that they would “ensure that the Bundeswehr receives the helicopters in accordance with the very ambitious delivery schedule which includes first deliveries in 2024 less than a year after contract signature.”

Bruno Even further added that “The H145M is a robust multi-role helicopter and the German Air Force has gained a significant amount of operational experience with its H145M LUH Special Operations Forces fleet.”

According to the Airbus statement, “The basic version of the ordered H145Ms will be equipped with fixed provisions, including the weapon management system, HForce, developed by Airbus Helicopters. This allows the Bundeswehr to train its pilots on the same type of helicopter that is used for operation and combat. Costly type transfers are eliminated and the highest level of professionalization will be achieved.”

“The comprehensive mission packages include hoisting and external cargo capabilities. Additionally, the new German H145M includes options for future mission capabilities including the ability to operate with the integration of Manned-Unmanned Teaming and upgraded data links and communication systems,” the statement added.

H145M multi-role helicopter

The H145M is the military version of the light twin-engine H145 helicopter. The multi-role helicopter is designed for performing multiple roles and offering a wide array of mission capabilities. Its adaptability allows the helicopter to be reconfigured from a light attack role to a special operations version within minutes.

According to Airbus, the helicopter can be transformed from a light attack configuration, equipped with axial ballistic and guided weapons and an advanced self-protection system, to a special operations variant featuring fast rappelling equipment.

*^{H145M light attack helicopter of the Hungarian Armed Forces armed with a 20 mm cannon and 70mm rockets. (Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons)}*

The helicopter is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines and equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). It also features the Helionix digital avionics suite, incorporating advanced flight data management. This includes a highly efficient 4-axis autopilot, significantly diminishing pilot workload during missions. The H145M helicopter also has a low acoustic footprint making it the quietest helicopter in its class.

The global fleet of the H145 family has surpassed seven million flight hours, attesting to its proven reliability. The helicopter is operated by several countries’ armed and law enforcement forces for the most demanding missions.

Germany currently operates 16 H145M Light Utility Helicopter Special Operations Forces helicopters and 8 H145 Search and Rescue helicopters. The U.S. Army operates about 500 helicopters from the H145 family, known as UH-72 Lakota. The helicopter is also being operated by Hungary, Serbia, Thailand, and Luxembourg.