The German military, Bundeswehr, has placed an order for up to 82 helicopters from Airbus Helicopters, with 57 earmarked for the army and the remaining five for the air force's special forces. This is the largest order for H145M helicopters to date, boasting a potential sales sum of 2.7 billion euros.
Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even expressed his pride in the decision, highlighting the versatility and convertible nature of the H145M. The H145M can transform from a light attack role for special missions within minutes, complete with an abseiling system. Germany currently has 24 helicopters from the same product family in its military fleet.
The US Army and international partners like Hungary, Serbia, Thailand, and Luxembourg also operate the H145 helicopters. Airbus claims the H145M to be the quietest in its class, ensuring stealth and reduced noise pollution.
Following this news, Germany faced criticism in France after its decision to purchase US fighter jets.
Further Insights
The H145M helicopters ordered by the Bundeswehr cater to various roles and capabilities. These include:
- Special Operations: These helicopters support the Kommando Spezialkrafte (KSK) in special missions, such as extraction from Kabul and safety transfer at Hamid Karzai International Airport.
- Search and Rescue (SAR): The H145M contributes to SAR operations as part of the German Army Aviation's light utility helicopter fleet.
- Combat Role: With the Airbus HForce system, 24 H145Ms have anti-armor capability, equipped with SPIKE ER2 missiles, and self-defense martial arts, such as Gatling-type machine guns and rocket pods.
- Training and Professionalization: The H145Ms serve as training tools and aids for professional development within the German Army.
- Ballistic Protection and Electronic Warfare: The H145M can be reinforced with ballistic protection, self-sealing fuel tanks, electro-optical/infrared sensors, self-protection systems, and military-grade communication equipment.
- Fast-Roping Equipment: Equipped with fast-roping gear, the H145M enables swift insertion and extraction of personnel.
- Missile Approach Warning Sensors and Decoy Flare Dispensers: The H145Ms come with missile attack warning sensors and decoy flare dispensers for self-defense.
- Armed Configuration: The helicopters can be armed with Gatling-type machine guns, known as the G6 in German service, attached to both sides of the main cabin.
These features translate into a multi-purpose, high-powered aircraft suitable for numerous military operations and missions.
