Airbus initiates trial flight series for H160M helicopter model
The H160M Guépard, a militarized version of the civil H160 helicopter, is making significant strides in its development as part of the Joint Light Helicopter (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger – HIL) programme for the French Armed Forces. The flight testing phase began in July 2025, with three prototypes built to expedite its progress.
This 6-tonne class aircraft, which has benefited from 68 patents, promises to improve efficiency, safety, environmental footprint, maintenance, and operating costs compared to previous generation aircraft. It is designed as a modern, versatile military helicopter with advanced systems, high adaptability, and improved firepower, intended to streamline and modernize French military helicopter fleets across all services.
The H160M will equip all three French military branches—Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force—with a total planned procurement of 169 helicopters to replace five existing or recently retired helicopter types. The maiden flight occurred in July 2025 at Airbus Helicopters' headquarters in Marignane, France, with flight test pilot Samuel Chartier and engineers conducting initial flights.
The first prototype will primarily be used for validating the aircraft's flight performance and will conduct firing campaigns in 2026. The second prototype will be subjected to environmental tests like hot and cold weather trials.
The H160M is the first helicopter in the Airbus range to be natively equipped with a drone cooperation system. It is also equipped with new-generation sensors such as Safran's Euroflir 410 electro-optical system and Thales' AirMaster C radar, enhancing situational awareness and mission capabilities.
The H160M is armed with 12.7 mm machine guns in pods and guided rockets. Its armament and weapons systems are supported by Airbus’ HForce modular weapon system, allowing swift installation of “heavy weapons carriers” with minimal aircraft downtime. France has selected FN Herstal 12.7mm podded machine guns for the initial outfitting, with possible addition of guided rockets and missiles.
The H160M's self-protection system operates across the entire electromagnetic and optical spectrum with automatic threat decoy capabilities. Airbus will provide maintenance and operational support for the H160M for an initial period of ten years.
The French Ministry of Armed Forces plans to order 169 H160Ms to replace five types of helicopters currently in service with the French Armed Forces. Deliveries to the French Armed Forces are planned to commence toward the end of the decade (around 2028), with a 10-year operational support commitment from Airbus.
With its advanced technology, adaptability, and improved firepower, the H160M Guépard is set to revolutionize the French military helicopter fleets, enabling the crew to carry out complex missions in degraded environments with perfect tactical situational awareness.
The H160M Guépard, set to revolutionize French military helicopter fleets, is envisioned to enhance the efficiency and economic viability of the aerospace industry and finance, as it promises reduced maintenance and operating costs compared to previous generations. As a modern, versatile military helicopter equipped with cutting-edge technology such as new-generation sensors and Airbus' HForce modular weapon system, it will play a pivotal role in the finance sector by driving advancements in the technology industry. With its potential to streamline and modernize French military helicopter fleets and improve operational capabilities, it is poised to make significant contributions to both the finance and aerospace sectors.
