Airbus test flies H160M Guépard for French army, navy, and air force
July 24, 2025
Airbus Helicopters announced on 24 July that it has started flight-testing of the new H160M Guépard. This is a militarised version of the H160 medium utility helicopter. The project was launched in 2015 with the civilian variant coming into service in 2021.
Airbus test flies the H160M Guépard helicopter
Airbus is building three prototype military H160M helicopters, with the first now in testing. The initial prototype will be mostly used for validating the type’s flight performance and is expected to conduct firing campaigns next year.
The second prototype is undergoing final assembly. When complete, it will be used for various tests, including hot and cold weather campaigns.
Airbus is working to develop a militarised variant for the French military as part of the country’s Joint Light Helicopter programme. France has selected the H160M for its Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force and will eventually replace five types of French helicopters, both in service and already retired.
In all, the French armed forces plan to order 169 examples of Airbus’ new H160M medium utility helicopter. Airbus claims the chopper will be equipped with the latest generation of sensors and weaponry, as well as being highly connected and agile. It adds that the platform is highly scalable and able to adapt to changing operational contexts.
Airbus reported that the flight test pilot is Samuel Chartier, while the flight test engineers are Nicolas Certain, Laurent Maruejols, and Alban Corpron.
Building on the civilian H160 medium utility helicopter
The military H160M builds on the civil 6-tonne H160 helicopter, which has already been in service for three years and counting. Airbus says it has already received excellent feedback from the French Navy on the performance of its six civil H160s in service.
The helicopter is sized between Airbus’ H145 and H175 helicopters and is being used for commercial passenger transport, private and business aviation, and other roles. Airbus is currently working to develop new configurations that will allow it to serve in offshore transportation and emergency air medical roles.
The helicopter is powered by the French Safran Arrano engines. The military version also leverages French defence companies to include Thales’ FlytX avionics, Safran’s Euroflir 410 electro-optical system, and more.
Joint Light Helicopter programme
Airbus announced the French order for its upcoming H160M helicopter in late 2021. At the time, it stated the first batch of 30 helicopters would include 21 for the army, eight for the navy, and a single aircraft for the air force. It stated that first deliveries would commence in 2027, although Airbus is now saying late 2028.
Airbus is working to allow the H160M helicopters to be fully integrated into air, naval, and land-air operations. It is also the company’s first helicopter to be natively equipped with a drone cooperation system. Its self-protection system is also designed to operate the entire electromagnetic and optical spectrum.
Airbus is one of the major Western defence contractors developing and building military helicopters. Bell Textron and Boeing are two other giants in the field. In 2024, Airbus Helicopters logged 455 gross orders and a net of 450 after cancellations. At the same time, it delivered 361 helicopters, giving it a “preliminary 57% share of the civil and parapublic market.”
