Germany Orders 82 Airbus H145M Helicopters for Military Modernization and to Phase Out Highly Troubled Tiger Combat Helicopters

 

Germany Orders 82 Airbus H145M Helicopters for Military Modernization and to Phase Out Tiger Combat Helicopters

Germany has initiated a significant overhaul of its military helicopter fleet with the procurement of up to 82 light-attack versions of Airbus Helicopters' H145 twin-engine aircraft. This acquisition, announced as the largest order for the armed H145M model, is designed to temporarily replace the German Army's Tiger attack helicopters, which have encountered operational challenges.

The decision, confirmed by the German Parliament's budget committee on December 13, led to an immediate commissioning of Airbus to supply the helicopters by Germany's defense materiel agency—the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support.

The €100 billion ($109 billion) special fund allocated for military modernization in Germany will finance this procurement. Alongside the aircraft, the purchase includes spare parts, eight simulators, training for both flight and technical personnel, and operational services over a seven-year period.

Of the 82 helicopters, the German Army will receive 57 units, while the Luftwaffe's special forces will acquire five, supplementing the 15 H145Ms already in service. There is an option for an additional 20 helicopters, bringing the total potential procurement to 82.

The strategic shift towards H145M helicopters, recognized as a "lightweight attack helicopter" (LKH) by the German defense materiel agency, underscores a reevaluation prompted by geopolitical events such as Russia's actions in Ukraine. These new helicopters are expected to serve a multi-role purpose for both the army and the air force.

Notably, the H145M, with its adaptable mission capabilities, is poised to fill various roles, including light attack, training, and liaison tasks. Germany's choice of an available helicopter type, already in use by special forces and in rescue missions, aligns with the immediate operational requirements and negates the need for costly type transfers.

Airbus Helicopters' CEO Bruno Even expressed pride in securing the order, emphasizing the H145M's operational versatility and Airbus's commitment to a prompt delivery schedule. The first batch of helicopters is slated for delivery in 2024, less than a year after the contract signing.

These helicopters will be equipped with HForce, a weapon management system developed by Airbus, enabling training consistency for pilots and operational personnel. The H145M, a variant of the H145 family, known for its reliability, will play a pivotal role in enhancing Germany's military capabilities.

This procurement marks a substantial advancement in Germany's military modernization efforts and signals a strategic transition to advanced and adaptable helicopter technology, ensuring heightened defense readiness in response to evolving security challenges.

Airbus fires laser-guided rockets from H145M helicopter

Airbus Helicopters has announced a successful test-firing campaign of 70mm laser-guided rockets from its H145M helicopter.
The rocket tests, which were conducted in early December but announced Jan. 31, are part of the company’s development of its HForce weapons packages meant for military services looking to arm rotorcraft.
The tests were conducted at the Alvaden test range in Sweden, with the Thales FZ275 LGR, which stands for laser-guided rocket, and an MX-15D electro-optical system from L3 Wescam, according to Airbus.
The rockets are intended to deliver a precision strike, which seeks to limit civilians casualties, particularly in asymmetric combat.
The tests followed ballistic firing tests in Hungary in October, another key step in the development of the HForce weapon system for the H145M military helicopter.
Qualification of the ballistic HForce weapons package is expected at end of this year, with laser-guided rockets due to be certified by the end of 2019.
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