Airbus Helicopters has completed delivery of the 15 H145M helicopters ordered by the German armed forces.
Airbus Helicopters has delivered the 15th and final H145M multi-role helicopter to the German armed forces (Bundeswehr). The helicopters, stationed in Laupheim, are operated by the Bundeswehr special forces.
The Bundeswehr was the launch customer for the H145M, with an order for 15 helicopters in 2013 as part of the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) Special Operations Forces (SOF) project. The first aircraft was delivered at the end of 2015.
The H145M is the military version of the light twin-engine H145 civil helicopter that was first delivered in 2014. The Bundeswehr’s H145M LUH SOF helicopters are equipped with a fast roping system to transport special forces, a high-performance camera system for reconnaissance, as well as equipment for fire support during deployment, enabling special forces to use the helicopters in a wide variety of new fields. Ballistic protection and electronic countermeasures offer a high level of security during deployment.
In 2015, Airbus Helicopters also concluded a comprehensive cooperative service contract with the Bundeswehr, providing support to the customer until at least 2021. Airbus Helicopters' responsibilities include managing and implementing maintenance and repair work, supplying spare parts and ensuring airworthiness.
The H145M has also been ordered by the Republic of Serbia (9 helicopters) and Thailand (5).