The acquisition is part of the European Security Action for Europe initiative, known as SAFE. The programme is intended to strengthen European civil protection, emergency response and public safety frameworks.
“We are deeply honoured by the trust that the Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs has placed in Airbus to complement their aeronautical fleet through this landmark multi-platform order. The selection of both the H160 and the H145 highlights the unique capability of our product range to deliver an integrated, highly efficient response to complex missions,” said Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
“By deploying these advanced platforms under the SAFE programme, Romania is significantly enhancing its operational readiness, reducing emergency reaction times, and positioning itself as a robust contributor to European integrated rescue and security mechanisms. We are fully committed to supporting their critical life-saving and public safety operations,” Louvot added.
The fleet will be operated by the Ministry’s General Inspectorate of Aviation. Operations will be coordinated by the Department for Emergency Situations.
The aircraft are intended to modernise Romania’s national capabilities in integrated emergency management, civil protection and public order enforcement. Airbus said the order will provide a state-of-the-art fleet for a broad range of public service missions.
The H160 fleet will provide a high-performance multirole capability. Four aircraft will be dedicated to civil protection and disaster relief missions.
The remaining three H160 helicopters will support public order, aerial surveillance and tactical security operations. The five H145 helicopters will be fully allocated to Romania’s emergency rescue service and mountain rescue operations.
Airbus said the H145 fleet will serve as the main resource for rapid emergency medical interventions. It will also support specialised medical evacuations and complex search-and-rescue missions.
Airbus has been present in Romania for more than 20 years through its three business areas. These include an Airbus Helicopters customer centre, Airbus Defence and Space secure communications and systems engineering services, and manufacturing activities for Airbus Commercial Aircraft detached parts.
The company said its Romanian customer centre has achieved about 75% of its turnover through export contracts since its creation. Airbus Defence and Space provides turnkey secure communications and systems engineering services through its engineering department.
More than 1,800 H145 family helicopters are in service worldwide. The fleet has accumulated more than 8.5 million flight hours.
The H145 is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines. It is equipped with full authority digital engine control and the Helionix digital avionics suite.
The H145 also includes a high-performance four-axis autopilot. Airbus said this increases safety and reduces pilot workload.
The company said the H145 has the lowest acoustic footprint in its class. Airbus also said its CO2 emissions are the lowest among its competitors.
The H160 is described by Airbus as one of the world’s most technologically advanced helicopters. It is designed to deliver high levels of operational safety, extended range and a spacious cabin for demanding multirole operations.
The H160 is equipped with the Helionix avionics suite. Airbus said this provides intuitive flight controls, improved situational awareness and reduced pilot workload.
Airbus said the H160’s design reduces environmental and community impact while improving mission performance. Its Blue Edge main rotor blades and canted Fenestron tail rotor cut perceived sound by up to 50% compared with conventional designs.
The company said this provides operational discretion for public service missions and makes the aircraft quieter for local communities. Powered by Safran Arrano engines, the H160 delivers an 18% reduction in fuel burn.
Source: Airbus (press release).
