Germany Exercises Option for 20 More H145M Helicopters to Finalize 82-Aircraft Buy

Overview

• Airbus confirmed on December 15 that Germany activated the 20-aircraft option from its December 2023 framework, bringing the order to 82.
• Germany will field 72 helicopters with the Army and 10 with the Luftwaffe for special forces support roles.
• Deliveries began in November 2024 and continue as the type enters service under the Leichter Kampfhubschrauber designation.
• Airbus did not disclose the new tranche’s value, with prior reporting placing the overall program near €1 billion tied to Zeitenwende funding.
• The twin‑engine H145M features Helionix avionics and rapid role reconfiguration for training, reconnaissance, special operations insertion, and light attack.