French Navy AS565 Panther helicopter shoots down Houthi drone.

According to information published by EUNAVFOR on March 20, 2024, a AS565 Panther helicopter embarked on a French FREMM frigate, operating as part of the European Union Naval Force Operation ASPIDES in the Red Sea, engaged and destroyed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) identified as originating from the Houthi forces.
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Houthi drone before it was destroyed by the French. (Picture source: French MoD)

Operation Aspides, or EUNAVFOR Aspides, marks the European Union's military response to safeguard international shipping in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks. Distinguished by its "purely defensive" stance, as emphasized by EU officials, this operation contrasts with the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian. Its primary objectives include escorting merchant ships, repelling attacks, and enhancing maritime surveillance within the region.

About the helicopter

The Eurocopter AS565 Panther is equipped for various military roles, managed by one or two pilots and capable of carrying 10 troops. Its dimensions include a length of 13.68 meters and a height of 3.97 meters, with an empty weight of 2,380 kilograms and a maximum takeoff weight of 4,300 kilograms. The helicopter is powered by two Turboméca Arriel 2C turboshaft engines, each providing 635 kW. Its main rotor has a diameter of 11.94 meters.

Performance-wise, the AS565 Panther can reach a maximum speed of 306 km/h, with a range of 827 kilometers and an endurance of 4.1 hours. It has a service ceiling of 5,865 meters and a rate of climb of 8.9 meters per second.

The armament of the AS565 Panther includes M621 cannon 20 mm cannon pods, 68 mm or 70 mm unguided rockets, and options for Matra Mistral air-to-air missiles, AS 15 TT anti-ship missiles, HOT anti-tank missiles, and Mk46 or Whitehead A.244/S torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare.