Airbus Helicopters has handed over two H225M helicopters to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA). These are the initial two of eight helicopters ordered in 2021. The French Air and Space Force will operate them, replacing the Pumas currently in use abroad in French Guiana, Djibouti, and New Caledonia. This move will aid in standardizing the helicopter fleet of the French Air and Space Force. The helicopters will serve in operational, search and rescue, and utility missions.
“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,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “We are very proud that the French Air and Space Force has renewed their trust in the Caracal,” he added. “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.”
All H225Ms recently built, including the eight helicopters ordered by France in 2021, are equipped with advanced avionics. Known as Caracal, these French H225Ms are outfitted with the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system and the Sigma inertial navigation system. Furthermore, the new equipment includes the Thales VUHF radio TRA6034 and the IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) transponder TSC4000.
The H225M has demonstrated its dependability and robustness in combat situations and crisis zones globally. With over 350 H225s and H225Ms in operation, they have accumulated more than 880,000 flight hours. Military clients comprise France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, the Netherlands, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary.
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