H145M light attack helicopters for Germany
On 14 December 2023, the press office of the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces) officially announced that Germany will buy up to 82 new Airbus H145M Leichter Kampfhubschrauber (LKH, light attack helicopters).
The Heeresflieger (HEER, German Army Aviation) will receive 57 helicopters, while the Luftwaffe's (GAF, German Air Force) special forces will receive five, adding to the 15 H145Ms already in service. The Bundeswehr has options for a further 20 helicopters.
The new attack helicopters will partly replace the Tiger attack helicopters, but only in the role of a light attack helicopter. In addition to armament, the H145M can be equipped with various equipment kits: electronic self-protection systems, ballistic protection or additional equipment for use over sea. The helicopter also has powerful reconnaissance sensors. These enable the crew to fly missions day and night. The helicopter can therefore be used extremely flexibly by the army and air force.
The German Armed Forces deliberately chose a helicopter type that was available on the market and was already used by the special forces and for rescue missions. The framework agreement with Airbus Helicopters also includes spare parts, eight training simulators, the training of flying and technical personnel as well as extensive services for the operation of the helicopters over a period of seven years.
Delivery of the H145M and staff training will start early 2024 and are planned to be completed by the end of 2028. It was reported that the new helicopters will be based at Bückeburg (IHAz, International Helicopter Training Centre), the Heeresflieger locations in Niederstetten, Fritzlar and Faßberg as well as the Luftwaffe (GAF, German Air Force) location in Laupheim.
Credit image: Airbus Helicopters