Germany Selects Airbus H145M As New Light Attack Helicopter
The German defense ministry announced Thursday that it is procuring up to 82 new Airbus H145M helicopters, with some of the H145Ms to be armed as a replacement for the German Army’s Tiger attack helicopters.
According to Airbus, the contract signed consists of 62 helicopters with options for up to 20 more, the largest ever H145M order. Out of the 62 firm orders, fifty-seven helicopters will be delivered to the German Army, while the German Air Force’s special forces will receive five.
Some of the H145Ms to be operated by the German Army will be equipped with weapons to serve as a light attack helicopter “bridging solution” towards the replacement of the Tiger attack helicopter. The Bundeswehr indicated in November that it did not seek to join the Tiger MkIII upgrade program for the French and Spanish Tigers, citing an internal assessment finding that its Tigers had limited upgrade potential.
Airbus says that the H145Ms being procured under this contract will feature the ability to conduct Manned-Unmanned Teaming with upgraded data links and communication systems, in addition to a variety of mission packages that allow the multirole helicopters to be quickly re-equipped for various missions.
The first H145Ms procured under the new contract are planned to begin deliveries in 2024 alongside crew training, with deliveries expected to conclude by the end of 2028.
The German Air Force currently operates 16 of the H145M LUH Special Operations Forces variant for its special forces, while the Army has 8 H145 LUH Search And Rescue variant helicopters.
“We are proud that the Bundeswehr has decided to order up to 82 H145M helicopters”, said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “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. We will 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.”