Germany seals record-breaking contract for up to 82 Airbus H145M helicopters
The basic version of the H145Ms ordered by Germany will be equipped with fixed provisions, including the weapon management system. (Photo: Airbus Helicopters)
The German Armed Forces has signed a contract to procure up to 82 Airbus H145M multi-role helicopters, marking the largest-ever order for this model.
Germany’s Bundeswehr has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters to purchase up to 82 H145m multi-role helicopters in a deal comprising 62 firm orders and an option to procure a further 20 platforms.
The contract has also included seven years of support and services to ensure optimal entry into service. The German Army will receive 57 helicopters, while the Luftwaffe’s special forces will receive five. The German order has marked the largest ever placed for the H145M.
The basic version of the H145Ms ordered will be equipped with fixed provisions, including weapon management system HForce, developed by Airbus Helicopters, the company said. Germany has been operating 15 H145Ms since the summer of 2017.
Related Articles
As reported by Shephard earlier this week, the UK government has also been exploring the procurement of six Airbus H145 helicopters to potentially provide aviation support in operations in Brunei and Cyprus.
The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter that can be reconfigured from a light attack role with axial ballistic and guided weapons and a self-protection system into a special operations version.
Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines, the H145M is equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC).
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics]()
AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics
The US Air Force is evaluating demonstrators for uncrewed cargo missions as it considers logistics requirements across the Pacific and other contested environments.
-
![Germany air focus: Europe’s leading near-term air market targets domestic industry]()
Germany air focus: Europe’s leading near-term air market targets domestic industry
Between 2026 and 2032, almost a quarter of EU aircraft spending is expected to come from Germany. While crewed programmes seek modernisation and replacement, uncrewed opportunities look to introduce entirely new capabilities, with both highlighting sovereignty and domestic production.
-
![Europe risks losing control of CUAS production capacity as manufacturers look abroad]()
Europe risks losing control of CUAS production capacity as manufacturers look abroad
European counter-drone developers are securing early orders in the Middle East while slow domestic acquisition processes threaten to redirect production capacity, expertise and investment away from Europe.
-
![AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX]()
AFA 2026: Swarm Aero eyes 2027 Gamera flight as Textron/Merlin reveal SkyCourier UX
Two new uncrewed aircraft concepts target very different US military requirements, from massed long-range strike to autonomous logistics. Shephard spoke with executives from Swarm Aero, Textron Aviation and Merlin Labs at this year's AFA Air, Space & Cyber conference to learn more about their capabilities.
