France’s Joint Light Helicopter programme advances with H160M flight tests
The H160M is derived from the civilian H160 platform. (Photo: Airbus Helicopters)
With three prototypes being built, the H160M is a militarised version of the H160. Once tests conclude, it will be delivered to the French armed forces from late 2028.
Airbus Helicopters has begun testing the H160M, the militarised version of the H160 developed for the French Armed Forces as part of the Joint Light Helicopter programme.
Three prototypes will be produced by Airbus for the programme, with the second prototype currently in final assembly, according to Airbus. The first H160M will be used to validate flight performance and will be later used for firing campaigns in 2026, while the second will be outfitted for extreme weather tests.
Designated as 'Guépard' (Cheetah), France ordered 169 H160M helicopters for its JLH programme in 2021: 80 for the army,
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success]()
Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success
Striking the right balance between cost and capability is likely to become more crucial in the increasingly competitive collaborative combat aircraft market. Shephard’s special CCA market report examines where the opportunities lie for suppliers.
-
![L3Harris begins work on South Korean AEW&C aircraft, eyes further international opportunities]()
L3Harris begins work on South Korean AEW&C aircraft, eyes further international opportunities
The company remains upbeat about its Indo-Pacific and European prospects, with its AERIS X system onboard a Bombardier 6500 proving an attractive option for air forces’ growing AEW&C needs.
-
![Saudi Arabia air report: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry]()
Saudi Arabia air report: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry
With $9.18 billion in uncontracted programmes — including a potential multi-billion-dollar MQ-9B deal — Saudi Arabia’s UAV sector is poised for significant further growth and industrial expansion.
-
![AI mission-autonomy software integration and partnerships see progress across CCA efforts]()
AI mission-autonomy software integration and partnerships see progress across CCA efforts
The successful integration of third-party mission autonomy in the US Air Force’s CCA programme and movement on Helsing’s Europa CA-1 timelines mark key milestones in the development of uncrewed aerial capabilities.
