32F reactivated
On 29 Jun 2023, Marine Nationale (French Navy) Flotille 32F was reactivated at base d'aéronautique navale (BAN) Lanvéoc-Poulmic. The unit is equipped with three Airbus Helicopters H160B which have been leased from Babcock. Another three H160Bs will be delivered soon to this unit making up a total of six helicopters.
Flotille 32F was originally established on 1 January 1958 and was specialised in Search and Rescue (SAR) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW). From 1970 until 2010, the SA321 Super Frelon was the primary asset for the unit, but due to the ageing of the helicopter and the delay in the delivery of its successor, the NH90, the unit was temporary reinforced with two EC225 Super Pumas and a single EC725 Caracal. On 27 June 2016, 32F stood down and its tasks were taken over by Flotille 33F operating the NH90-NFH Cayman at BAN Lanvéoc-Poulmic.
The interim fleet helicopters, which will be succeeded by the H160M Guépard (Cheetah), will be operated for a period of ten years and will take over the SAR missions currently conducted by the NH90s and Panthers, allowing these combat helicopters to fulfil their main tasks at sea on board combat vessels. The H160Bs have been modified into a light military configuration by Babcock, a provider of critical, complex engineering services to governments, to answer to the needs of the French Navy. The helicopters are equipped with a winch and a modular cabin that can be optimised for each mission. Certification for use of night vision goggles necessary for winching operations at night is part of the contract.
On 22 December 2021, the Direction générale de l'armement (DGA, Armament General Directorate) formalised an order for 169 H160M Guépard helicopters for €10 billion. The Aviation légère de l’armée de Terre (ALAT, Army Light Aviation) will get 80, the Marine Nationale (French Navy) 49, and the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace (AAE, French Air Force) will get 40 H160Ms.
It is reported that Airbus Helicopters will start delivery of the H160M Guépard to 32F not earlier than 2029.
Photo by Babcock