GKN Aerospace to help Airbus to deliver Dutch H225M multirole helicopters
The Netherlands selected the H225M multi-role helicopter for special operations in June. (Photo: Airbus)
GKN Aerospace has signed an MoU with Airbus Helicopters to provide support for the H225M helicopters intended for Dutch special forces.
Under the MoU, GKN will provide essential support in areas such as engineering, electrical wiring system design and manufacturing, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul activities.
The partners said that GKN will also lead potential innovation projects and aerostructures design and manufacturing, with a particular focus on composite structures.
The collaboration announcement follows the Dutch MoD’s decision to pre-select 14 H225M medium-weight, multi-role helicopters for its special forces.
Airbus and GKN Aerospace have a long history of collaboration. They are both partners in NHIndustries, the NH90 manufacturing consortium, alongside Leonardo.
Shawn Black, president of defence, airframe, at GKN Aerospace, said: ‘We have been working closely with Airbus Helicopters as partners on the NH90 programme since 1992 and have actively supported them during the pre-selection phase with the Dutch MoD.
‘The signing of the MoU represents a significant milestone in our collaboration, reinforcing our partnership and setting the stage for future industrial participation.’
Technical features of the H225M include modular design of mechanical assemblies, composite materials, new avionics, including LCD multifunction displays, a vehicle monitoring system and a digital automatic flight control system.
The helicopter can also be fitted with an integrated EW package.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030]()
Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.
-
![“A dominant force”: empowering Europe’s airborne ISR in a new era]()
“A dominant force”: empowering Europe’s airborne ISR in a new era
European militaries face a new security landscape, with the proliferation of drones, theatre ballistic missiles and other threats boosting requirements for airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and related systems. For L3Harris, missionised business jets are central to meeting these needs, providing capability and flexibility in a cost-effective package.
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
-
![April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans]()
April air forces review: Next-gen platform push ties in with fleet modernisation plans
Countries releasing their spending budgets over the past month have placed an emphasis on advancing next-generation crewed programmes as well as upgrades and expansion plans for air combat and aerial refuelling capabilities.
-
![What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?]()
What opportunities remain for European airborne early warning requirements?
With a pending NATO AWACS replacement on the horizon, the demand and market opportunities for airborne early warning aircraft remain strong as countries look to bolster their capabilities, with industry eyeing gaps in the market.
