Airbus delivers two new SAR H225Ms to French govnt

Airbus Helicopters has delivered two H225M helicopters to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) for use on search and rescue (SAR), utility and operational missions. The aircraft are the first of eight ordered in 2021.
The helicopters will be operated by the French Air and Space Force, replacing Pumas currently in service in its overseas territories including French Guyana, Djibouti and New Caledonia. The aircraft will contribute to the harmonisation of the French Air and Space Force’s helicopter fleet, according to the manufacturer.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters said the delivery of the H225Ms to the French Air and Space Force is symbolic as France was the first operator of the H225M. “They have proven on multiple occasions the benefit of this rotorcraft for combat, search and rescue, disaster management and medical evacuation missions,” he said.
Nicknamed after the African wild cat the Caracal, the helicopter has benefited from all the innovations that have been implemented since it began operations in 2006 with the French armed forces, Even added.
The H225Ms are equipped with the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system and the Sigma inertial navigation system. New equipment also includes the Thales VUHF radio TRA6034 and IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) transponder TSC4000.
More than 350 H225s and H225Ms in service, totalling more than 880,000 flight hours. Military customers include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, the Netherlands, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary.