The maiden flight of the H160M was marked with an official ceremony at Airbus Helicopters’ headquarters in France. The aircraft, derived from the civilian H160 platform, has been selected by France as a common solution for the Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force.
France plans to procure 169 H160Ms to replace five existing types of helicopters currently in service or recently retired. The aircraft, named “Guépard” by the French military, represents a significant step towards fleet standardisation and modernisation.
The H160M incorporates multiple enhancements from its civil predecessor, which has been operational for over three years. Designed to be one of the most advanced military aircraft in its class, the H160M benefits from a range of technological innovations.
“The start of the flight test campaign is a major milestone for the H160M programme,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “We have received excellent feedback from the French Navy on the performance of their six H160s, which have proven themselves with a high availability rate.”
“Deployed for over two years on search and rescue missions at sea, these aircraft have demonstrated outstanding performance and reliability levels in a demanding environment,” Even added. “The H160M is an aircraft tailored for tomorrow’s military operations: reliable, agile, highly connected, and equipped with the latest generation of sensors and weaponry.”
Airbus has committed to developing three H160M prototypes to accelerate the programme. The first prototype, now in testing, will validate flight performance and support weapon firing campaigns planned for 2026, while the second prototype is in final assembly and will undergo environmental testing.
The six-tonne class H160M is powered by Safran Arrano engines and incorporates 68 patented features aimed at improving efficiency, safety, and environmental impact, while reducing maintenance and operational costs. Its avionics system, Thales’ FlytX, is paired with a mission system developed by Airbus to ensure tactical effectiveness in challenging environments.
Designed for full interoperability, the H160M includes a comprehensive suite of communication systems for integration into joint air, sea, and land-air operations. It is the first Airbus helicopter to be natively equipped with a drone cooperation system.
Advanced sensors, such as Safran’s Euroflir 410 electro-optical system and Thales’ AirMaster C radar, enhance mission capability. The onboard self-protection suite can automatically deploy decoys to counter threats across the electromagnetic and optical spectrum.
Armed with Airbus’ HForce weapon system, the H160M will be capable of carrying 12.7 mm machine guns in pods, guided rockets, and 7.62 mm machine guns in either a pintle mount or articulated arm for precision engagements.
Delivery of the H160M to the French Armed Forces is scheduled to begin at the end of 2028. Airbus will provide operational support and maintenance services for the fleet for an initial ten-year period.
