Germany to adapt Airbus H145 helicopters for combat role
The H145M is marketed as a multi-role platform. (Photo: Airbus)
Reports suggest Germany has decided to buy Airbus H145 aircraft and modify them for armed operations instead of opting for upgraded Tiger attack helicopters.
The German MoD has expressed its intentions to buy 82 Airbus H145 civilian helicopters and convert some of them into armed aircraft to replace its Tiger fleet, internal military documents seen by BusinessInsider noted.
Berlin said it wants to convert 24 of the helicopters into H145M multirole platforms and arm them with anti-tank missiles.
The 82 helicopters would cost around £3.3 billion.
Related Articles
Airbus H145M successfully fires Spike ER2 missile
Airbus tight-lipped on Cypriot H145M helicopter order
Boeing joins Airbus team in bid for UK New Medium Helicopter
The H145M is capable of performing special operations, airlift, SAR, casevac/medevac, and armed scout and light attack missions.
The German Army operates 51 Tigers but was hesitant to buy upgraded models due to operational problems.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI join forces to co-develop UAVs]()
Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI join forces to co-develop UAVs
The $510 million partnership will see Hanwha invest to co-develop and manufacture the Gray Eagle STOL, with a maiden flight test expected by 2027.
-
![Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway]()
Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway
The country was reportedly “months” away from an official aircraft selection, as of mid-March 2025.
-
![Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study]()
Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study
The ongoing study was first announced by Embraer in late 2024 with the Brazilian Air Force, with this latest addition announced during the LAAD defence and security exhibition.
-
![Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase]()
Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase
The potential sale, approved by the US to the Philippines, is for 20 F-16 Block 70/72 jets, days after US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited the country.
-
![Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft]()
Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft
The acquisition of four C-390 aircraft follows the country’s signing of an MoU in 2023 and formal selection in 2024. It will join the existing contract held by the Netherlands and Austria.
-
![Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year]()
Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year
The counter-UAS prototype, named Low-cost Air Defence or ‘LOAD’, will be used to combat kamikaze UAS.
