The Dutch Ministry of Defence has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of 12 H225M helicopters, which includes an initial package of support and services. The agreement was formalized during the Euronaval trade show in Paris, with Vice-Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, Head of the Netherlands Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT) agency, and Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, representing the parties.
We are honored that the Royal Netherlands Air Force and COMMIT have renewed their trust in Airbus Helicopters, said Bruno Even. “The H225M was selected in June 2023 following a comprehensive tender and evaluation process, where it was deemed the best choice for the rigorous demands of special forces operations. The H225M stands out for its unmatched performance, versatility, and range. It can be tailored to meet specific mission requirements and will continue to serve its customers for decades,” he added.
The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF), which currently operates Cougar helicopters from the H215M family, will deploy the H225Ms with the 300 Special Operations Squadron. Airbus Helicopters will work closely with the RNLAF to customize the H225M to user specifications, improving mission capabilities through advanced tactical communication systems and an optimized aircraft design.
Renowned for its reliability and durability in combat and crisis scenarios, the H225M benefits from continuous advancements made by Airbus. These include new avionics, an upgraded main gearbox, improved communication systems, and the option to integrate the HForce weapon system. The maximum takeoff weight of the H225M has also been increased by 160 kg, bringing it to 11,160 kg.
Globally, there are more than 350 H225 and H225M helicopters in service, accumulating over 880,000 flight hours. Military operators include nations such as France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary.
