Germany to adapt Airbus H145 helicopters for combat role
The H145M is marketed as a multi-role platform. (Photo: Airbus)
Reports suggest Germany has decided to buy Airbus H145 aircraft and modify them for armed operations instead of opting for upgraded Tiger attack helicopters.
The German MoD has expressed its intentions to buy 82 Airbus H145 civilian helicopters and convert some of them into armed aircraft to replace its Tiger fleet, internal military documents seen by BusinessInsider noted.
Berlin said it wants to convert 24 of the helicopters into H145M multirole platforms and arm them with anti-tank missiles.
The 82 helicopters would cost around £3.3 billion.
Related Articles
Airbus H145M successfully fires Spike ER2 missile
Airbus tight-lipped on Cypriot H145M helicopter order
Boeing joins Airbus team in bid for UK New Medium Helicopter
The H145M is capable of performing special operations, airlift, SAR, casevac/medevac, and armed scout and light attack missions.
The German Army operates 51 Tigers but was hesitant to buy upgraded models due to operational problems.
More from Air Warfare
-
![DARPA moves to next stage of fast cruise VTOL]()
DARPA moves to next stage of fast cruise VTOL
DARPA and SOCOM's SPRINT programme, an effort to create an X-plane to demonstrate the key technologies to enable a combination of aircraft speed and runway independence, has moved to the next phase.
-
![South Korea and Boeing to jointly research long-endurance aerial UAVs]()
South Korea and Boeing to jointly research long-endurance aerial UAVs
Boeing and South Korea have solidified plans that would see Boeing UAV design and technology capabilities implemented locally by South Korean companies.
-
![Brazil receives first fully operational upgraded E-99M AEW&C]()
Brazil receives first fully operational upgraded E-99M AEW&C
The updated E-99M aircraft features an updated Erieye Radar and C2 systems, as well as new EW and Identification, friend or foe (IFF) systems.
-
![Slovenia secures second C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft]()
Slovenia secures second C-27J Spartan tactical transport aircraft
A new agreement between Leonardo, the Italian government and Slovenia has marked the procurement of a second C-27J Spartan medium tactical transport aircraft for Slovenia, following an earlier deal signed in March 2022.
