Airbus delivers first of 62 H145M light combat helicopter to Germany.

On November 18, 2024, Airbus Helicopters delivered the first H145M light combat helicopter (Leichter Kampfhubschrauber, LKH) to the German Armed Forces at its facility in Donauwörth, Germany. This delivery follows the signing of a contract in December 2023 for up to 82 H145M helicopters, including 62 firm orders and 20 options. The initial unit will be used for training purposes at the German Army’s base in Bückeburg. Helicopters configured for light attack roles are scheduled to be delivered starting in 2025.
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Germany plans to retire the Tiger helicopters by 2031, although this timeline could change with the earlier deployment of the H145M. (Picture source: Airbus)

The contract, valued at €2.1 billion ($2.3 billion), also includes seven years of support and services to ensure operational readiness. The German Army is set to receive 57 helicopters, while the Luftwaffe’s special forces will receive five. This agreement represents the largest order to date for the H145M and its integrated HForce weapon management system. The Bundeswehr plans to use these helicopters for training, reconnaissance, special forces operations, and light attack missions.

The H145M is a twin-engine military helicopter based on the H145 civil helicopter. It is equipped with Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines, full authority digital engine control (FADEC), and the Helionix avionics suite, which includes a 4-axis autopilot. The helicopter can be reconfigured within minutes for various roles, including troop transport, armed attack, or search-and-rescue missions. Its design incorporates features such as self-sealing fuel tanks, ballistic protection, and infrared suppressors. The modular HForce weapon system enables the use of ballistic and guided weapons, including the Spike LR missile, which Germany plans to integrate for anti-tank operations.

The Bundeswehr’s decision to acquire the H145M reflects a shift toward enhancing standoff capabilities in light of lessons from recent conflicts, including the role of helicopters in Ukraine. Deliveries of the H145M fleet are expected to be completed by 2028. The helicopters will be deployed to bases in Bückeburg, Niederstetten, Fritzlar, Faßberg, and Laupheim.

The H145M will serve as an interim replacement for Germany’s Tiger attack helicopters, which have experienced availability challenges. The fleet is intended to bridge operational needs until next-generation drones and loitering munitions are introduced. Germany plans to retire the Tiger helicopters by 2031, although this timeline could change with the earlier deployment of the H145M.

The H145 family has accumulated close to eight million flight hours globally. In addition to Germany, the H145M is in use by military operators in Hungary, Serbia, Luxembourg, Thailand, Ecuador, and Honduras, among others. The U.S. Army operates nearly 500 UH-72 Lakota helicopters, which are based on the H145 platform, and recent orders include six units for Cyprus, 17 for Belgium, and six for Brunei.

The German order includes training for pilots and technical personnel, spares, and eight simulators. The helicopters will be configured with the HForce system, which provides incremental capabilities for ballistic firing through helmet-mounted displays, electro-optical systems, and guided weaponry. These capabilities are expected to improve the flexibility and effectiveness of the German Armed Forces in various operational contexts.