Airbus delivers two H225M Caracals to France
The Airbus H225M first started operations with the French armed forces in 2006. (Photo: Airbus)
The Airbus rotorcraft will replace the French Air Force’s Puma helicopters, following the initial contract signing in 2021.
Airbus Helicopters has announced the delivery of two new H225Ms to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA). The two new aircraft will be delivered to the French Air Force, which will operate them in overseas territories in French Guyana, Djibouti and New Caledonia where they will be used for rescue and utility missions.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters said: “We are very proud that the French Air and Space Force has renewed their trust in the Caracal. The French Air and Space Air Force will benefit from all the innovations that have been implemented on the H225M since the helicopter started operations in 2006 with the French armed forces, further expanding the capabilities of this unique aircraft.”
Eight helicopters were ordered by France in 2021, as part of a wider economic stimulus package, worth €15 billion ($17 billion). These two are the first delivery from that order and they will replace the ageing fleet of SA330 Puma helicopters.
The H225Ms are equipped with the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system and the Sigma inertial navigation system. According to Airbus, there are more than 350 H225s and H225Ms in service, with customers including Malaysia, Thailand, Brazil and Hungary.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Brazilian Air Force conducts first live fire of Meteor missile from Gripen E]()
Brazilian Air Force conducts first live fire of Meteor missile from Gripen E
The major milestone for the beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile was conducted in November and expands the capabilities of the air force’s growing Gripen E fleet.
-
![Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon]()
Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon
The technology demonstrator forms part of a wider effort to help the Royal Navy explore the potential of uncrewed systems supporting its existing crewed aviation platforms.
-
![Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision]()
Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision
The MQ-7C uncrewed aircraft is currently undergoing further internal flight tests ahead of a government test event anticipated for next year.
-
![November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs]()
November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs
In November 2025, GA-ASI unveiled a new Gambit variant, the Gambit 6, and appears to be pitching the aircraft series to various customers in the Middle East, which is a fast-emerging CCA market. The Dubai Airshow also saw the unveiling of various Emirati aircraft from Edge Group.
-
![Baykar’s Kizilelma drone makes progress with first air-to-air kill]()
Baykar’s Kizilelma drone makes progress with first air-to-air kill
This test is the latest milestone achieved by the indigenous drone, destroying a target using a beyond-visual-range missile.
