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Airbus Helicopters is deepening its European reach as NATO orders climb

16th February 2026 - 15:48 GMT | by Isolde Hatgis-Kessell in London, UK

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The H225M transport and heavy-lift helicopter is operated by 19 countries. (Photo: Airbus)

Airbus has delivered more than 2,000 helicopters to nations across Europe, and continues to solidify its position at the heart of the region’s defence industrial base.

Airbus is a major player in the European aerospace and defence sector, and its helicopter segment has been gaining a stronger strategic foothold in key NATO nations as it expands eastward in the region, with a surge in order numbers over the past year.

The company has four primary production plants across Europe – two in Germany and two in France – offering the continent critical manufacturing capabilities.

With a helicopter portfolio that spans multi-role, transport and heavy lift, along with light attack rotorcrafts, Airbus Helicopters has so far delivered more than 5,000 platforms globally, with approximately 2,276 helicopters delivered across 20 European nations alone. 

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Isolde Hatgis-Kessell

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Isolde Hatgis-Kessell


Isolde Hatgis-Kessell is the Air Analyst for Shephard Media's Defence Insight. Isolde holds a bachelor's …

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