Romania buys 12 Airbus H225M helicopters / The contract will gradually replace the IAR-330 Puma fleet

Romania has signed a contract with France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) to purchase 12 H225M military helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters, as part of the European Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative. The agreement aims to strengthen Romania’s defense capabilities and gradually replace its fleet of IAR-330 Puma helicopters.

This is the second contract concluded by Romania and Airbus Helicopters through SAFE. Previously, Romania ordered seven H160 helicopters and five H145 helicopters for public service missions.

The 12 H225M aircraft will be used for conventional and special operations. The Romanian Air Force currently operates IAR-330 Puma helicopters, manufactured in Romania under license from Aerospatiale. Romania previously also ordered two H215M helicopters in a naval configuration.

The agreement also includes an industrial component through the long-term partnership between Airbus and IAR, Romania’s only helicopter manufacturer. Airbus has been present in Romania for more than 20 years through production, maintenance, services and engineering activities.

The H225M is used in combat conditions and in crisis-affected areas. More than 350 H225 and H225M helicopters are operational worldwide, having accumulated over one million flight hours.