The Dutch Ministry of Defence has awarded Airbus Helicopters a significant contract for 12 H225M helicopters, marking a key step in the modernization of the Royal Netherlands Air Force’s (RNLAF) fleet. The contract, signed at the Euronaval trade show in Paris, also includes an initial batch of support and services. The agreement was formalized by Vice-Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, Head of the Netherlands Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT) agency, and Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
“We are very proud to see the Royal Netherlands Air Force and COMMIT renewing their trust in Airbus Helicopters. The H225M was selected by the Netherlands in June 2023 after a call for tender and an exhaustive evaluation, after which the Airbus helicopter was considered the best option for the very demanding special forces operations,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The proven H225M is unmatched in terms of performance, versatility, and range. It can carry extensive mission equipment that can be tailored to each customer’s needs and will be serving its customer’s requirements for the decades to come,” he added.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force currently operates the Cougar helicopters from the H215M family, and the new H225Ms will be integrated into the RNLAF’s 300 Special Operations Squadron. The two organizations will work closely together to develop the H225M to meet the specific operational needs of the squadron, ensuring enhanced capabilities for special operations missions. This collaboration will focus on improving tactical communication and optimizing the interaction between the aircraft and its systems to maximize mission success.
The H225M has proven its reliability and durability in demanding operational environments, including combat zones and crisis areas. The aircraft benefits from Airbus’s continuous improvement policy, incorporating advanced avionics, a reinforced main gearbox, enhanced airborne communication systems, and the option to be equipped with the HForce weapon system. The maximum takeoff weight of the H225M has also been increased by 160 kg, allowing it to reach 11,160 kg, further enhancing its operational capabilities.
With over 350 H225 and H225M helicopters in service worldwide, the aircraft has accumulated more than 880,000 flight hours. Military operators of the H225M include countries such as France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary.
This latest contract reinforces Airbus Helicopters’ position as a leader in the global military helicopter market, demonstrating the H225M’s continued success in meeting the diverse needs of military customers around the world.
