German Armed Forces receive first of 82 H145M helicopters
The global fleet of the H145 family has accrued close to eight million flight hours, according to Airbus. (Photo: Airbus)
The H145s have been named “Leichter Kampfhubschrauber” (light combat helicopter), or LKH for short, by the German Armed Forces.
The German Armed Forces has received the first of 82 Airbus H145Ms at its Donauwörth site, Airbus has announced. This first helicopter will be dedicated to training operations and used at the German Army’s Bückeburg base.
The contract for 82 multi-role H145M helicopters – 62 firm orders plus 20 options – was signed in December 2023. Airbus said that at the time, it was the largest order ever placed for the type, with the German Army receiving 57 and the Luftwaffe’s special forces set to receive five.
The contract also included seven years of support and services for the helicopter. The first delivery of a light-attack version of the H145M will be expected by 2025.
Related Articles
Germany seals record-breaking contract for up to 82 Airbus H145M helicopters
“We remain a reliable partner of the German Bundeswehr,” said Stefan Thomé, managing director of Airbus Helicopters in Germany. “Delivering the first H145M LKH in less than a year after the contract signature demonstrates our commitment. The H145M LKH will be a true multi-mission asset for the German Armed Forces, supporting their crucial missions.
The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter that can be reconfigured from a light attack role into a special operations version, Airbus said. The standard version of the H145M is equipped with fixed provisions include HForce.
The incremental, plug-and-play weapon system was designed to fit any Airbus Helicopters military model, such as the H125M, H135M, H145M and H225M helicopters, for light attack missions.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Boeing prepared to go fast on CxR uncrewed tiltrotor concept]()
Boeing prepared to go fast on CxR uncrewed tiltrotor concept
The Collaborative Transformational Rotorcraft is designed with the potential to meet a range of mission requirements, from reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition to contested logistics.
-
![Anduril’s YFQ-44A successfully completes first flight test]()
Anduril’s YFQ-44A successfully completes first flight test
The drone is the second prototype to take flight under the US Air Force’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft programme.
-
![October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiled]()
October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiled
During October 2025, several countries and organisations signalled their intention to acquire loyal wingman uncrewed aircraft systems — designated by the US Air Force as Collaborative Combat Aircraft — or to study the capability further, while various new uncrewed helicopters were showcased.
-
![Australia starts upgrade programme for P-8A Poseidon fleet]()
Australia starts upgrade programme for P-8A Poseidon fleet
The upgrades will work to strengthen the country’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities, with one more aircraft due to be delivered by 2026.
-
![Textron firms up potential bid for US Navy Undergraduate trainer contract]()
Textron firms up potential bid for US Navy Undergraduate trainer contract
The company has said it would assemble its Beechcraft M-346N aircraft at its east Wichita campus with significant investment placed to modernise the hub if it wins the contract.
