The first of 62 H145M helicopters acquired by the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) made its maiden flight at the Airbus Helicopters plant in Donauwörth, Germany. Simultaneously, the first German pilots started their training on these new aircraft.
In December 2023, the Bundeswehr and Airbus Helicopters closed the largest H145M helicopter procurement contract in history, for up to 82 units (62 firm orders plus 20 options). The German H145Ms will be integrated with the HForce weapons management system. The German Army will receive fifty-seven helicopters, while the Luftwaffe Special Forces will be reinforced with five additional units.
The multirole capability of the H145M
The H145M is a multirole military helicopter offering a wide range of mission capabilities.
In minutes, the helicopter can be reconfigured from a light attack role with ballistic and axial guided weapons and a state-of-the-art self-protection system to a special operations version that includes rapid descent equipment. Comprehensive mission packages include lift and external cargo capabilities.
HForce for firepower and precision
The H145M can be equipped with the Airbus HForce weapon system, an incremental, modular and cost-effective weapon system that can be used on any military version of the Airbus civil helicopter range (H125M, H145M and H225M).
Three different packages increase the aircraft’s capability, from ballistic firing through a helmet-mounted sight to ballistic firing through an electro-optical system (EOS), or guided weapons firing.
Leader in its segment
With a worldwide fleet exceeding seven million flight hours, the H145 family, including the military H145M, is a proven asset in various armed and law enforcement roles around the world. The Bundeswehr already operates 16 H145M LUH SOF and 8 H145 LUH SAR helicopters, and is also in service with the U.S. Army, which operates the UH-72A and UH-72B Lakota variants.
