Cyprus NG orders H145M
On 24 June 2022, the Cyprus government signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the delivery of six H145M (Bk117D3) helicopters with an option on six additional aircraft.
The five-bladed H145Ms will be operated by the Cyprus National Guard and will replace the Mil Mi-35P attack helicopters that have been sold to the Republic of Serbia.
Scramble Magazine reported on 25 August 2021 on the interest from Serbia for the Cyprus Mi-35s and in December 2021 the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, announced that a large investment will be made for the purchase of new helicopters and the take over of the Mi-35s.
According to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, Andreas P. Louka; “The implementation of this agreement will provide the National Guard with a cost-effective and high-performance helicopter solution that satisfies the operational requirements set by the General Staff and addresses many of the future challenges of light attack helicopter fleets. Able to operate in very demanding environments, the H145M will enhance the National Guard’s day and night capabilities in delivering rapid response, fire power and precision, providing effective combat support, and acquiring critical information.”
Photo by DK (via airplane-pitcures.net)