42 H145 helicopters, the significant agreement between the French Ministry of Interior and Airbus
French Ministry of Interior Enhances Fleet with 42 Airbus H145 Helicopters for Emergency Response and Security
In a significant move to enhance its capabilities in emergency response and law enforcement, the French Ministry of Interior has placed an order for 42 H145 helicopters from Airbus. The contract, facilitated by the French Armament General Directorate (DGA), was finalized at the close of 2023, paving the way for deliveries slated to commence in 2024.
The bulk of these cutting-edge helicopters, 36 to be precise, will be allocated to the French rescue and emergency response agency, Sécurité Civile. Meanwhile, the French law enforcement agency, Gendarmerie Nationale, is set to receive six of these state-of-the-art aircraft. Notably, the agreement encompasses an option for an additional 22 H145s for the Gendarmerie Nationale, along with comprehensive support and service solutions ranging from training to spare parts. An all-encompassing initial support package for the helicopters is also part of the contract.
Bruno Even, the CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed pride in the longstanding partnership with both the Gendarmerie Nationale and the Sécurité Civile. He emphasized the H145’s proven track record, citing its successful performance in numerous rescue missions amid the challenging mountainous terrain of the French Alps.
The Sécurité Civile, currently operating four H145s ordered in 2020 and 2021, will witness the gradual replacement of the 33 EC145s currently in service for rescue and air medical transport services throughout France.
For the Gendarmerie Nationale, the six H145s mark the beginning of a fleet renewal initiative, replacing their existing fleet composed of Ecureuils, EC135s, and EC145s. These new helicopters will be equipped with advanced features, including an electro-optical system and a mission computer tailored for the most demanding law enforcement missions.
Certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in June 2020, the H145 boasts an innovative five-bladed rotor that increases the useful load by 150 kg. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the helicopter features full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite. With a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, the H145 prioritizes safety and reduces pilot workload. Its notably low acoustic footprint makes it the quietest helicopter in its class.
With Airbus already having more than 1,675 H145 family helicopters in service worldwide, accumulating over 7.6 million flight hours, the French Ministry of Interior’s investment underscores the aircraft’s global reputation for excellence and reliability.
Sources