Airbus delivers two H225M Caracals to France
The Airbus H225M first started operations with the French armed forces in 2006. (Photo: Airbus)
The Airbus rotorcraft will replace the French Air Force’s Puma helicopters, following the initial contract signing in 2021.
Airbus Helicopters has announced the delivery of two new H225Ms to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA). The two new aircraft will be delivered to the French Air Force, which will operate them in overseas territories in French Guyana, Djibouti and New Caledonia where they will be used for rescue and utility missions.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters said: “We are very proud that the French Air and Space Force has renewed their trust in the Caracal. The French Air and Space Air Force will benefit from all the innovations that have been implemented on the H225M since the helicopter started operations in 2006 with the French armed forces, further expanding the capabilities of this unique aircraft.”
Eight helicopters were ordered by France in 2021, as part of a wider economic stimulus package, worth €15 billion ($17 billion). These two are the first delivery from that order and they will replace the ageing fleet of SA330 Puma helicopters.
The H225Ms are equipped with the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system and the Sigma inertial navigation system. According to Airbus, there are more than 350 H225s and H225Ms in service, with customers including Malaysia, Thailand, Brazil and Hungary.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![IDEX 2025: Embraer pushes counter-UAV capabilities for its Super Tucano]()
IDEX 2025: Embraer pushes counter-UAV capabilities for its Super Tucano
Embraer is looking to position its Super Tucano aircraft to Middle Eastern countries at IDEX to join current customers Lebanon and Afghanistan.
-
![IDEX 2025: China attacks the loitering munition market]()
IDEX 2025: China attacks the loitering munition market
At IDEX 2025, held in Abu Dhabi this week, an array of Chinese attack UAVs, primarily loitering munitions, have been on display.
-
![IDEX 2025: Heven Drones’ Raider UAS aims for 2026 delivery date]()
IDEX 2025: Heven Drones’ Raider UAS aims for 2026 delivery date
The modular twin-fuselage, hydrogen-powered uncrewed aerial system has just been unveiled, with the company conducting final flight tests and maturing the product later this year.
-
![Indian Air Force airlifter contract bidders push credentials at Aero India]()
Indian Air Force airlifter contract bidders push credentials at Aero India
The three main bidders aiming to replace India’s ageing An-32 and Il-76 transporter fleet were at Aero India to put their case, despite recent geopolitical pressures on the competition.
-
![IDEX 2025: GA-ASI to unveil new exportable small UAS platform in June 2025]()
IDEX 2025: GA-ASI to unveil new exportable small UAS platform in June 2025
While the product remains in development, GA-ASI is looking to target the international market with a new small UAS, focusing on exportability.
-
![IDEX 2025: Jump 20-X marks the spot for AeroVironment]()
IDEX 2025: Jump 20-X marks the spot for AeroVironment
AeroVironment showcased the Jump 20-X, an advancement of the company’s Jump 20 VTOL-capable fixed-wing UAV, at this year’s IDEX in Abu Dhabi.
