Hiroshima fire service becomes first firefighting operator of Airbus H160
The firefighting H160 will enter service next year. (Photocredit: Airbus).
Hiroshima City Fire Services (CFS) has taken delivery of its first Airbus H160. It becomes the first firefighting operator of the H160 in Japan.
The helicopter will enter into service in early 2026, and will be deployed for a wide range of public service missions.
The H160 will be equipped with firefighting bucket to support ground crew in wildfire suppression. It will also be deployed on many other important missions when required.
“We take pride in being the first operator in the world to introduce the H160 for firefighting missions,” said Hideki Sadamori, bureau chief, Hiroshima City Fire Services. “We are confident in its advanced capabilities and performance to significantly enhance and strengthen our city’s firefighting and disaster prevention activities. With this helicopter, we will make every effort to save as many lives as possible.”
“We are proud to see the H160 enter a new chapter in its multi-mission journey with its first deployment in firefighting with Hiroshima City Fire Services Bureau in Japan,” said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, MD, Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “This milestone reflects the trust placed in the H160’s advanced technology and adaptability. Whether responding to wildfires, conducting search and rescue, or delivering emergency medical care, the H160 is engineered to perform with precision and safety in the most demanding environments.”
The Airbus H160 will replace the AS365 N3, which has been in service with Hiroshima City Fire Services since 2006.
The H160 is gaining momentum in Japan, with three helicopters currently in service, two for law enforcement, and one for news gathering with another H160 on order for Nagoya City Fire Bureau.
The helicopter performs a range of missions including: law enforcement, offshore transportation, search and rescue, private and business aviation and emergency medical services. The aircraft has entered service in a growing list of countries including: Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, UK and US.
