Berlin, December 29 - The German Armed Forces, known as the Bundeswehr, have significantly bolstered their rotary-wing capabilities by exercising an option to acquire 20 additional Airbus H145M light combat helicopters. This decision, announced in December 2025, expands the total commitment under a 2023 framework contract to 82 H145M units, marking the largest fleet of this advanced multi-role platform for any single operator in Europe. The H145M, designated as the Leichter Kampfhubschrauber (LKH) in German service, represents a key pillar in the Bundeswehr's ongoing modernization efforts, providing enhanced flexibility for a range of missions including reconnaissance, special operations support, and light attack roles.
Powered by twin Safran Arriel 2E engines and equipped with the sophisticated Helionix avionics suite, the H145M offers exceptional performance, including a high-performance four-axis autopilot and one of the lowest acoustic signatures in its class. Its modular design allows rapid reconfiguration, from armed light attack configurations with ballistic or guided weapons and advanced self-protection systems to special forces variants featuring fast-rope equipment and external cargo capabilities. This versatility, combined with proven reliability from over eight million flight hours accumulated by the global H145 family, positions the H145M as an ideal asset for modern military aviation requirements. The Bundeswehr already operates variants of the H145 for search-and-rescue and special forces tasks, facilitating seamless integration of the new fleet.
Deliveries under the expanded program have progressed swiftly, with the first H145M LKH handed over in November 2024, just months after the initial contract, and additional units following shortly thereafter. Of the total 82 helicopters, 72 will be allocated to the German Army for deployment across bases such as Niederstetten, Fritzlar, and Faßberg, while 10 will support Luftwaffe special forces operations. This distribution underscores the platform's role in bridging capability gaps, offering cost-effective operations compared to heavier systems while maintaining high readiness levels.
The acquisition of these 20 additional H145M helicopters reinforces Germany's commitment to strengthening its defense posture amid evolving European security challenges. By building the world's largest H145M fleet, the Bundeswehr enhances its operational agility and multi-role capacity, ensuring robust support for training, reconnaissance, and rapid-response missions well into the future. This strategic investment in Airbus H145M technology highlights the platform's enduring value in contemporary military helicopter procurement.
