Netherlands to Order 12 Airbus H225M Helicopters

5 November, 2024 Airbus H225M helicopter. Photo credits: Airbus The Dutch Ministry of Defense has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of 12 H225M Caracal helicopters.

This was reported by the Airbus press service. The contract, signed during the Euronaval trade show in Paris, also includes initial support and related services. On behalf of the Netherlands, the agreement was signed by Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, Head of the Dutch Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT), and Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

"We are very proud that the Royal Netherlands Air Force and COMMIT are renewing their confidence in Airbus Helicopters," Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters stated.

H225M Caracal helicopter. Photo credits: Airbus

The Netherlands selected it in June 2023 following a tender and evaluation process, after which the Airbus helicopter was recognized as the best option for the highly demanding operations of the Special Forces. "The proven H225M is unrivaled in terms of performance, versatility and range.

It can carry large mission equipment that can be tailored to each customer's needs, and it will meet customer requirements for decades to come," added Airbus Helicopters CEO. Currently, the RNLAF operates H215M Cougar helicopters (formerly known as the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar), which are to be replaced by the H225M for the 300th Special Operations Squadron of the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF). Airbus Helicopters and the RNLAF will work closely together to realize the H225M configuration tailored to the requirements of the Netherlands.

"The H225M has proven its reliability and durability in combat and crisis zones. Thanks to Airbus' policy of continuous improvement, the H225M now has new avionics, an improved gearbox, onboard communication systems and can be equipped with the HForce weapon system. The maximum takeoff weight has been increased by 160 kg to 11,160 kg," Airbus Helicopters stated in a press release.

Caracal helicopter of the French Air and Space Force.

Photo from open sources

More than 350 H225 and H225M helicopters are in operation worldwide, with a total flight time of over 880,000 hours.

Military customers include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil and Hungary, whereas Ukraine uses them in the State Emergency Service and the National Guard.