First Caracal helicopters land in French Guiana bringing new capability to jungle operations.

According to information published by the French Army on August 12, 2025, the French Guiana Armed Forces have taken delivery of their first two H225M Caracal helicopters, marking a decisive step in the long-awaited renewal of rotary-wing capabilities in the South American territory. The aircraft, in the latest AP OLA configuration, arrived at Air Base 367 “Capitaine François Massé” in Cayenne on August 11 and will progressively replace the aging SA330 Puma fleet operated by Transport Squadron 68. Two more Caracals are scheduled to join the unit by early 2026, completing a significant modernization effort.
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H225M Caracal helicopters offer long range, heavy lift, advanced sensors, and all-weather capability for troop transport, medevac, and security missions in French Guiana’s challenging jungle terrain (Picture source: French Army).

The H225M Caracal is a modern 11-tonne class multi-role helicopter powered by two Safran Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines delivering 2,382 shp each, enabling a cruise speed of around 260 km/h and a maximum range of approximately 850 km with auxiliary fuel tanks. The AP OLA variant is fitted with advanced Thales avionics, a four-axis automatic flight control system, Euroflir 410 optronic turret with high-definition day/night imaging and laser rangefinder, satellite communications suite, dual electric rescue hoists, self-protection systems, and a reinforced cargo hook capable of lifting up to 4,750 kg. These enhancements allow operations in degraded visibility, high humidity, and extreme heat, all common in French Guiana’s equatorial environment.

Compared to the SA330 Puma, which first entered service in the late 1960s, the Caracal offers significant gains in every operational parameter. The Puma’s older Turbomeca Turmo IIIC4 engines produce around 1,575 shp each, limiting both payload capacity and hot-and-high performance. Its maximum range is roughly 580 km and its avionics suite lacks modern terrain-following, digital navigation, and integrated sensor capabilities. The Caracal’s higher payload and endurance enable longer missions without refueling, while its enhanced sensors and communication systems provide far greater situational awareness. In terms of survivability, the Puma has minimal defensive aids compared to the Caracal’s integrated self-protection suite, which includes missile warning receivers, chaff and flare dispensers, and infrared suppression for engine exhausts. Most critically, maintenance on the Puma fleet had become a major operational bottleneck, with up to 18 hours of work required for each flight hour and an availability rate under 50 percent, whereas the Caracal is designed for significantly lower maintenance demands and better mission readiness.

In French Guiana, the French Armed Forces conduct missions including border surveillance with Brazil and Suriname, anti-illegal gold mining operations under Operation Harpie, protection of the Guiana Space Center during Ariane rocket launches, support to law enforcement, maritime patrol along the Atlantic coast, and humanitarian assistance during natural disasters. The Caracal’s improved lift capability allows insertion of fully equipped infantry sections deep into the jungle in a single lift, rapid extraction of wounded personnel, insertion of special forces for counter-illegal mining raids, and aerial fire support. Its endurance and SATCOM capability also enable extended maritime patrols and secure communications with command centers during complex joint operations.

These deliveries stem from an eight-unit order placed with Airbus Helicopters in 2020 under France’s national aerospace support plan. After their initial handover to the French Air and Space Force in January 2025, the aircraft underwent operational evaluation and crew training at CEAM Mont-de-Marsan before deployment to overseas theaters. The first overseas assignment of the type occurred in June 2025, with one Caracal reinforcing Transport Squadron 88 in Djibouti.

The arrival of the Caracal in French Guiana marks the end of an era for the Puma fleet and the start of a new phase in the territory’s aerial mobility and mission capability, bringing a modern and mission-adaptable platform able to meet the most demanding operational challenges of France’s South American territory.