Hungary receives first two H225M multirole helicopters from Airbus

Europe, News July 26, 2023 , by IRIA No Comments

Airbus delivered the first two of 16 H225M multirole combat and transport helicopters to Hungary’s Defense Forces as the landlocked European country seeks to modernize its military. The helicopters were handed over at Szolnok Airbase.

Hungary’s H225M helicopters are equipped with “state-of-the-art communication capabilities and will be used for transport, combat search and rescue, and special operations missions,” the Airbus statement highlighted. Recently, the Hungarian H225M helicopters were flight tested for the integration of a gun pod and rocket launchers.

Bruno Even, the CEO of Airbus Helicopters said, “I am very happy that we have delivered the first H225Ms to Hungary today. The Defence Forces are receiving a combat-proven, multi-role platform, which is the latest version of a very successful helicopter family.”

He further added that “Together with the light twin-engine H145M, which is already in operation, Hungary now has a modern helicopter fleet that can fly a broad range of military missions, and we are proud that they decided our helicopters were the right choice for their extremely important operations.”

According to the Airbus media release, the company is also providing an extensive “training and support package to ensure the highest level of operational availability.”

The Airbus statement added that “A part of the Hungarian H225M fleet will be fitted with the HForce weapon management system, adding air support capabilities thus creating further communality with the Hungarian H145M fleet also equipped with HForce.”

Besides Hungary, the H225M is currently being used by France, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, and Kuwait.

H225M Helicopter

The H225M is a multi-mission high-performance helicopter that can perform special operations, medical evacuation, tactical transport, and combat search and rescue missions. The helicopter is capable of cruising at a fast speed and can be operated in all weather conditions, supported by its night vision goggle compatibility.

The helicopter has advanced avionics and a four-axis autopilot system with exceptional range and high payload capacity. It also has a large cabin that can carry up to 24 troops and powerful air-to-ground and air-to-surface armament as well as electronic warfare systems.

It is the most advanced military aircraft of Airbus’s Super Puma/Cougar helicopter family. It has been used in several crisis regions including Afghanistan, Somalia, Mali, and Ivory Coast as well as supported NATO missions in Libya.

The H225M has two Safran Helicopter Engines MAKILA 2A1 turboshaft Dual channel FADEC and can cruise at 262 km/h (142 knots) speed. The helicopter is also equipped with an air refueling probe that can further increase its range.

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