Government of France purchases 42 H145 helicopters from the Ministry of Interior
France Orders 42 Airbus H145 Helicopters for Rescue and Law Enforcement
The French government has placed a new order for 42 Airbus H145 helicopters, marking a significant upgrade to their civil security fleet. These versatile rotorcraft are renowned for their multipurpose use in emergency medical services, search and rescue, and police operations.
The H145, certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency in June 2020, boasts a five-bladed rotor that increases its useful load by 150 kg and delivers new levels of comfort, simplicity, and connectivity. Powered by twin Safran Arriel 2E engines with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite, the H145 offers a high-performance 4-axis autopilot that reduces pilot workload and enhances safety.
This new fleet will significantly modernize and expand the operational effectiveness of the French rescue and law enforcement forces, building on the global success of over 1,675 H145 helicopters flying more than 7.6 million hours worldwide.
The H145 is already proven in France, having aided the Sécurité Civile in conducting rescue missions in the French Alps. The Gendarmerie Nationale will also benefit from a state-of-the-art helicopter equipped with the latest mission systems.
The contract includes support and service solutions from Airbus Helicopters, including training, spare parts, and an initial support package for the aircraft. There is also an option for a further 22 H145s for the Gendarmerie Nationale.
The six new H145s will initiate the renewal of the Gendarmerie's fleet, which is currently composed of Ecureuils, EC135s, and EC145s. Thirty-six of these helicopters are destined for the French rescue and emergency response agency, Sécurité Civile.
The H145 is considered an agile, multi-mission platform capable of everything from light attack and tactical transport to EMS and SAR, complementing heavier platforms like the H225M and the upcoming H160M Guépard being introduced for the French Armed Forces. While the H160M will replace multiple types of military helicopters in the French military services, the H145 is focused on civilian security roles such as rescue and police functions, thus filling a distinct operational niche that enhances overall capacity and flexibility in French aerial emergency and law enforcement services.
The H145 is the quietest helicopter in its class due to its particularly low acoustic footprint, making it an ideal choice for urban and residential areas. With this order, France is investing in a technologically advanced, reliable, and multipurpose rotorcraft that will operate alongside heavier military platforms to create a comprehensive aerial rescue and law enforcement capability.
References:
[1] Airbus Helicopters. (2023). Airbus Helicopters delivers first H145 for the French Gendarmerie Nationale. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2023/01/airbus-helicopters-delivers-first-h145-for-the-french-gendarmerie-nationale.html
[2] Airbus Helicopters. (2023). H145: The versatile, multi-mission rotorcraft. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/product-range/h145/
[3] Airbus Helicopters. (2023). H145: The quietest helicopter in its class. Retrieved from https://www.airbus.com/helicopters/product-range/h145/features/quiet-helicopter.html
The French government's investment in 42 Airbus H145 helicopters signifies a leap forward in both the finance and technology sectors, as these rotorcraft are designed for multipurpose use in industries such as rescue, law enforcement, and medical services. Additionally, the modernized fleet will strengthen collaborations between civil security forces and the aerospace industry, as the H145 is poised to work alongside heavier military platforms like the H225M and the H160M Guépard.
