Less than a year after the contract was signed, Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first of up to 82 H145M helicopters to Germany at its Donauwörth facility. The German Armed Forces, or Bundeswehr, has designated these helicopters as “Leichter Kampfhubschrauber” (Light Combat Helicopter), abbreviated as LKH. These versatile helicopters will support a variety of missions, including training, reconnaissance, special forces operations, and light attack.
We are proud to continue being a trusted partner to the German Bundeswehr. Delivering the first H145M LKH in less than a year since the contract was signed underscores our commitment to excellence, said Stefan Thomé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Germany. The H145M LKH will be an invaluable multi-mission asset, supporting the critical operations of the German Armed Forces.
This initial helicopter will be used for training purposes at the German Army’s Bückeburg base, with the first delivery of the H145M LKH for light attack missions expected in 2025, as per the contract. Training for Bundeswehr pilots began in August of this year.
In December 2023, Airbus Helicopters and the Bundeswehr finalized an agreement for the purchase of up to 82 multi-role H145M helicopters, including 62 firm orders and 20 options. This marks the largest-ever order for the H145M, as well as the HForce weapon management system. The contract also includes seven years of support and services, ensuring seamless entry into service and ongoing operational efficiency. The German Army will receive 57 helicopters, with five allocated to the Luftwaffe’s special forces.
The H145M is a flexible, multi-role military helicopter capable of handling a wide range of missions. It can quickly switch between a light attack configuration, equipped with ballistic and guided weapons, and a special operations setup, complete with fast rappelling gear. The helicopter’s extensive mission capabilities include hoisting and external cargo operations.
The H145Ms ordered by the Bundeswehr are outfitted with fixed provisions, including the HForce weapon management system, developed by Airbus Helicopters. This system ensures that Bundeswehr pilots can train on the same model used in active missions, minimizing costly requalification processes and ensuring the highest level of operational readiness.
The H145M is based on the proven, light twin-engine H145 helicopter. With nearly eight million flight hours accumulated by the global H145 fleet, it is a trusted asset for military and law enforcement agencies worldwide, performing the most demanding tasks. The Bundeswehr already operates 24 H145 helicopters for special forces operations and search and rescue missions. The U.S. Army uses nearly 500 helicopters from the H145 family, known as the UH-72 Lakota, which have collectively flown over 1.5 million hours. Other military operators include Hungary, Serbia, Luxembourg, Thailand, Ecuador, and Honduras. Recent orders have been placed by Cyprus (six aircraft), Belgium (17), and Brunei (six).
The H145M is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines with full authority digital engine control (FADEC). It is also equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite, which features innovative flight data management, including a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, to reduce pilot workload. Additionally, the H145M’s low acoustic footprint makes it the quietest helicopter in its class.
