Marignane, France. The government of Romania has signed a contract for the procurement of 12 Airbus H225M helicopters. The agreement was concluded with the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) in the frame of the European Commission’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE). The European Union’s financial instrument is designed to provide financial support to Member States to speed up defence readiness by allowing urgent and major investments in support of the European defence industry, with a focus on closing critical capability gaps.
“We are honoured that Romania has chosen the H225M to strengthen its defence capabilities. This selection will also bolster Romania’s industrial capabilities through our long term partnership with IAR, Romania’s sole helicopter manufacturer,” said Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “We are proud to welcome Romania within the growing H225M community, establishing the H225M as a key asset of Europe’s defence,” he added.
Airbus has been present in Romania for over twenty years through its three businesses. Airbus Helicopters’ customer centre keeps proving to be a successful enterprise since its creation, providing support and services to the Romanian Airbus fleets while working for various export customers. Airbus Defence and Space provides turn-key secure communications and systems engineering services through its engineering department, whilst Airbus’ Commercial Aircraft business manufactures strategic parts.
The Romanian Air Force currently operates the IAR-330 Puma, a locally produced version of the Puma under an Aerospatiale license. The 12 H225Ms will initiate the replacement of the Puma fleet for conventional and special operations. Romania has also previously ordered two H215Ms in naval configuration.
This contract is the second one signed by Romania and Airbus Helicopters in the frame of the SAFE initiative, with seven H160 and five H145 recently ordered for public services missions.
The H225M has proven its reliability and durability in combat conditions and crisis areas around the world. There are more than 350 H225s and H225Ms in service, totalling more than one million flight hours. The twelve H225M customers include Brazil, France, Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Thailand.
