Airbus Helicopters Secures Multi-Nation Orders as Defense and EMS Demand Surges

Airbus Helicopters has clinched a string of contracts from European governments and operators, while expanding its footprint in Africa and Asia with new H135 and H160 deals.

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Airbus Helicopters has signed a series of agreements across multiple continents, underscoring robust demand for its rotorcraft in emergency medical services, law enforcement, and military roles.

In Europe, the Czech Ministry of Interior has placed an order for 11 units of the five-bladed H145 model. Romania's Ministry of Internal Affairs has committed to acquiring seven H160s and five H145s. Avincis, described as Europe's largest provider of emergency aerial services, has signed a contract covering up to 15 H145 helicopters. German operators ADAC Luftrettung and DRF Luftrettung have also expanded their fleets: ADAC entered a long-term framework for H135, H140, and H145 types, while DRF ordered four additional H145s. Austrian emergency service ÖAMTC Flugrettung has finalized a similar long-term framework for H135, H140, and H145 helicopters. In Slovakia, Air Transport Europe purchased one H135 and one H140.

In Africa, Nigerian healthcare provider Kasi Healthcare has agreed to procure up to two H135 helicopters for air medical missions. Bristow Group has taken delivery of the first two of five H160 medium-twin helicopters, leased from Milestone Aviation Group, for offshore oil and gas support in Nigeria.

In Asia, Japan's National Police Agency has placed a follow-on order for three H135s as part of its fleet modernization. Airbus has also delivered the first H135 for Canada's Future Aircrew Training program for the Royal Canadian Air Force, and received Transport Canada type certification for the H175. The company has signed cooperation agreements with CAE, L3Harris, and Pratt & Whitney Canada to bolster Canadian defense capabilities.

On the defense front, Armenia has contracted for six H145 helicopters. Airbus unveiled an uncrewed version of the H145, designated the U145, at ILA Berlin, where a full-scale mock-up was displayed. The company has partnered with Alta Ares to develop European counter-drone solutions and has been selected by the European Defence Agency to expand the capabilities of its Capa-X drone. Airbus demonstrated multi-domain capabilities with the Spanish Navy in a crewed-uncrewed teaming exercise involving a patrol vessel, an H135, and two UAS. The company also introduced next-generation rotorcraft concepts for NATO studies.

In the commercial aviation segment, Airbus delivered the first A321XLR to Air Canada, the first of 30 on order. Air Canada has also disclosed a firm order for eight A350-1000 aircraft. Airbus has completed the first A350F freighter main deck cargo door in Spain, marking a milestone for the freighter program.