Contract for H225M Caracal signed

On 5 November 2024, the Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of twelve H225M Caracal long-range tactical transport helicopters including an option on two more.

The original plan was to order fourteen H225Ms, but due to higher costs related to mission equipment, the final order was changed to twelve.

Delivery of the new helicopters will start in 2030 with the last ones to be delivered in 2032. The Caracals will be operated by 300 Special Operations Squadron (300 SOS) at Gilze-Rijen air base where they will replace the current fleet of AS532U2 Cougar transport helicopters.

As of 1 October 2024, 300 Squadron was renamed as a Special Operations Squadron. The image made by Airbus Helicopters suggest that the Caracals will most likely be registered in the same S-xxx range as the current Cougars are.

Credit image: Airbus Helicopters