France finally signs off on huge H160 Joint Light Helicopter order
France has committed to buying 169 Airbus H160M helicopters (Photo: Airbus Helicopters)
France has approved an order for 169 Airbus H160M helicopters under the country's Joint Light Helicopter (HIL) programme.
Announcing the move in a series of social media posts published on 22 December, Florence Parly, French minister for the armed forces, said that the H160M would equip the French Air and Space Force, Army and Navy from 2027 onward and suggested the acquisition was a strong example of French military modernisation.
She added that the new helicopters will replace five different fleets and as a result of them being operated with three services, improved availability and reduced maintenance costs would follow.
Airbus also noted in a 22 December statement that deliveries of a first batch of aircraft will cover 21 for the French Army, eight for the navy and one for the air and space force.
'The H160 was designed to be a modular helicopter, enabling its military version, with a single platform, to perform missions ranging from commando infiltration to air intercept, fire support, and anti-ship warfare in order to meet the needs of the army, the navy and the air force,' added the manufacturer.
Weapons to be integrated on the helicopter include the MBDA Sea Venom/ANL anti-ship missile, pod mounted and door mounted guns, according to Airbus.
Shephard previously reported that H160M prototype activities were due to begin in 2023 with first deliveries originally set for 2026.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
Argentina orders Bell 407s for military search and rescue missions
Argentina is to acquire six Bell 407 helicopters for search and rescue operations by the country's army and air force under a government-to-government contract with Canada.
-
Sikorsky awaits UK New Medium Helicopter requirements to unveil production plans, explores new X2 design
Sikorsky has yet to reveal its production plans for its UK New Medium Helicopter contender while industry anxiously anticipate the release of critical acquisition targets. The company also continues the exploration of its X helicopter concept for the international market.
-
CH-47F Chinook Block II reaches final assembly line as wider programme moves forward
The Block II upgrade incorporates various enhancements to increase lift capability and commonality between US Army and allied fleets, reducing maintenance costs.
-
Uruguay's African peacekeepers to receive new support helicopter
The donation of a utility helicopter by the UA will increase the Uruguayan peacekeeping deployment’s air support capabilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
-
Turkiye's Gokbey helicopter marks first indigenous engined flight
On April 22, 2023, Turkish Aerospace’s T-625 GOKBEY general-purpose helicopter conducted a test flight with an indigenous TEI-TS1400 engine for the first time.