Germany to send WS-61 Westland Sea King helicopters to Ukraine
Germany has committed to sending Ukraine six of its 21 retiring WS-61 Westland Sea King multirole, amphibious helicopters.
HIL programme pre-development activities underway
Airbus Helicopters and the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) are to undertake studies to further the militarisation of the H160 in the frame of France’s Joint Light Helicopter (HIL) programme.
This work launches pre-development activities for the military version of the H160, also called the Guépard by the French armed forces, in order to meet the delivery schedule that was brought forward by the French Ministry of Defence in May 2019.
The studies will also focus on defining the optimal set-up for supporting the tri-service H160M fleet. Airbus Helicopters, Safran Helicopter Engines, and the DGA will work closely together in order to maximise the availability rate of the helicopters, as well as optimising the cost of supporting the fleet.
The military version of the H160 will perform missions ranging from commando infiltration to air intercept, fire support and anti-ship warfare in order to meet the needs of the French Army, the Navy and Air Force under the HIL programme.
Under the accelerated programme first deliveries to the French armed forces will take place in 2026.
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