More Airbus Helicopters H225Ms to the Hungarian Defence Forces
December 6, 2024
The procurement of the H225M is part of a broader air force modernisation programme, which also includes the introduction of 20 H145M helicopters, although one of these has already been lost. The air force is also receiving Embraer C-390 Millennium medium transport aircraft. The H225M will enhance Hungary’s power projection and rapid reaction capabilities, supporting military and humanitarian missions, in line with the modernization objectives of the Hungarian armed forces.
The H225Ms will be used for troop transport, combat search and rescue, medical evacuation, search and rescue and humanitarian missions.
“In the interest of the Hungarian people’s security, it is essential for us to develop our defence capabilities and procure modern equipment. The new, high-tech assets will strengthen the airlift, airdrop, and special operations capabilities of the Hungarian Defence Forces,” observed Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky.
The H225Ms are intended to replace ageing Mil Mi-17s, providing a more capable and much more interoperable and NATO-compatible helicopter. Hungary is the second NATO member to operate the H225M (after France), and the Netherlands is to become the third after ordering 12 aircraft configured for special forces operations.
Hungary is to acquire 16 H225M helicopters, together with an extensive training and support package that is intended to ensure the highest level of operational availability. The contract for the H225Ms was signed in December 2018, marking a significant step in the modernization of its armed forces.
The H225M deliveries began on schedule in July 2023. The first helicopter was officially handed over at Szolnok Airbase by Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, who said: “I am very happy that we have delivered the first H225Ms to Hungary today. The Defence Forces are receiving a combat-proven, multi-role platform, which is the latest version of a very successful helicopter family. Together with the light twin engined H145M, which is already in operation, Hungary now has a modern helicopter fleet that can fly a broad range of military missions, and we are proud that they decided our helicopters were the right choice for their extremely important operations.”
The original plan was for all 16 helicopters to be delivered by the end of 2024, though it now seems that the final four aircraft may be late.
The Airbus H225M is a multi-role medium-lift helicopter, and a member of the Super Puma family. The H225M variant is currently operational in France, and has been exported to Brazil, Hungary, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore and Thailand.
The aircraft is powered by twin Turbomeca Makila 2A1 engines, which offer exceptional payload/range performance and reliability. The aircraft has a maximum range of 700 nautical miles (1,296 km) but also has an air-to-air refuelling capability. It boasts a maximum take off weight of 11,000 kg allowing it to carry a 4,750 kg payload. Its voluminous cabin can accommodate up to 28 troops. The all-weather H225M has an NVG-compatible cockpit, and is equipped with cutting-edge avionics, and advanced navigation systems, and employs a four-axis digital autopilot. Minister of Defense, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said that: “The new high-tech equipment will enhance the aerial transport, airdrop, and special operations capabilities of the Hungarian Defence Forces, ensuring increased security for the Hungarian people.”
An undefined portion of the Hungarian H225M fleet will be fitted with the HForce weapons management system, allowing the use of guns, rockets and missiles and adding close air support capabilities. This will provide some commonality with the Hungarian H145M fleet, which is also equipped with HForce. Flight trials have recently been undertaken in Hungary to integrate a gun pod and rocket launchers on the Hungarian H225Ms.
