Partner 2019: New Airbus H145M helicopter delivered to Serbian armed forces.

At Partner 2019, the International Fair of Armament and Defense Equipment Exhibition, Airbus Helicopters presents the new H145M helicopter which has been delivered to the Serbian armed forces. The Republic of Serbia will acquire nine H145M helicopters from Airbus.

New Airbus H145M helicopter for the Serbian Armed Forces at Partner 2019, the International Fair of Armament and defense equipment exhibition in Belgrade, Serbia. June 25, 2019. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The contract for procurement, associated services and related industrial cooperation was signed in Belgrade between Airbus, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia on 28 December 2016. With this procurement, the Serbian Air Force and Police will benefit from the capabilities offered by the latest generation helicopters, which will be tasked with transport, search and rescue, combat, medical evacuation, surveillance and security missions.

The H145M is a tried-and-tested twin Safran Arriel 2E engine helicopter and can be used for a range of tasks, including air rescue, troop transport, armed reconnaissance, utility, surveillance and medical evacuation and has several equipment packages that can be removed or installed depending on the mission.

The Serbian H145M will be equipped with a fast roping system, high-performance camera, fire support equipment, ballistic protection as well as an electronic countermeasures system to support the most demanding operational requirements.

The H145M’s compact airframe provides a low profile, enhanced by the helicopter’s agility in flight and designed-in system redundancy. Contributing to its survivability are self-sealing fuel tanks, ballistic protection and infrared suppressor, along with crashworthiness designed into the fuselage and seats. The electronic warfare system and chaff/flare dispensers bring an extra level of protection in high-threat environments.

The H145M is equipped with a modern digital glass cockpit (Airbus’ advanced Helionix® avionics suite), is night vision goggle-compatible, and has a 4-axis digital autopilot that drastically reduces pilot workload.