Romania has signed a contract for 12 Airbus H225M helicopters, starting the replacement of its ageing Puma fleet. The deal, concluded with the French Armament General Directorate (DGA), falls under the European Commission’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, according to Airbus Helicopters.
Funding through SAFE
SAFE is an EU financial instrument that helps Member States speed up defence readiness. It supports urgent, large-scale investment in the European defence industry and targets critical capability gaps.
This is the second Romanian contract with Airbus Helicopters under the scheme. Bucharest recently ordered seven H160 and five H145 helicopters for public service missions.
Replacing the Puma
The Romanian Air Force currently flies the IAR-330 Puma, a version built locally under an Aerospatiale licence. The new H225Ms will take on conventional and special operations roles as the Puma retires. Romania has also ordered two H215M helicopters in naval configuration.
Airbus says the programme will strengthen Romanian industry through its long-term partnership with IAR, the country’s only helicopter manufacturer. “This selection will also bolster Romania’s industrial capabilities,” said Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. He added that Romania joins a growing H225M community, which establishes the type as a key asset of European defence.
Established Airbus presence
Airbus has operated in Romania for more than twenty years across three businesses. Its Helicopters customer centre supports Romanian fleets and export customers. Airbus Defence and Space provides secure communications and systems engineering, while Airbus Commercial Aircraft manufactures strategic parts.
A proven platform
More than 350 H225 and H225M helicopters serve worldwide, with over one million flight hours logged. Romania becomes the thirteenth H225M customer, joining Brazil, France, Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Singapore and Thailand.
Learn more on Airbus’ website
