Germany has ordered 20 additional H145M light combat helicopters from Airbus, raising its total order to 82 aircraft. The decision follows a contract signed in December 2023 that included an option for more helicopters.
The first H145M was delivered in November 2024, less than a year after the contract was signed, and further deliveries are ongoing. The helicopters will be used for training, reconnaissance, special forces missions and light attack roles.
Of the total order, 72 helicopters will go to the German Army, while 10 will be assigned to the Luftwaffe’s special forces units.
The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter that can be quickly reconfigured for different missions, including light combat, special operations, cargo transport and rescue tasks. It can be fitted with weapons, self-protection systems, rappelling equipment and hoists.
The H145M is based on the civilian H145 helicopter, which has logged more than eight million flight hours worldwide. Variants of the helicopter are already in service with military and security forces in several countries, including the United States, Belgium, Hungary and Ireland.
The helicopter is powered by two Safran engines, features digital flight controls and advanced avionics, and is known for its low noise levels compared to others in its class.
