In a major boost to its special operations forces, the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has signed a deal for 12 Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters. The agreement, inked at the Euronaval trade show in Paris, sees the Netherlands become the latest nation to embrace the combat-proven platform.
Image: Airbus
The H225M was chosen following an extensive evaluation process, beating out rival bids to secure the coveted contract. Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even hailed the decision, stating, “We are very proud to see the Royal Netherlands Air Force and COMMIT renewing their trust in Airbus Helicopters. The H225M was selected by the Netherlands in June 2023 after a call for tender and an exhaustive evaluation, after which the Airbus helicopter was considered the best option for the very demanding special forces operations.”
The new rotorcraft are set to replace the RNLAF’s current fleet of Cougars, drawn from the older H215M family. The incoming H225Ms will be operated by the service’s elite 300 Special Operations Squadron.
Even emphasised the H225M’s suitability for the demanding special operations role, noting its “performance, versatility and range” as key attributes. He added, “It can carry extensive mission equipment that can be tailored to each customer’s needs and will be serving its customer’s requirements for the decades to come.”
This adaptability is a crucial factor for the RNLAF, which will be working alongside Airbus to ensure the H225M is perfectly configured to meet its unique operational needs. The press release suggest this collaboration will focus on enhancing tactical communication systems and refining the interaction between the aircraft and its onboard systems.
The H225M boasts a solid track record in the field, having proven itself in various combat zones and crisis areas around the globe. Its pedigree is further strengthened by Airbus’s continuous improvement policy, which has seen the platform benefit from a series of upgrades.
Key enhancements include the integration of new avionics, an upgraded main gearbox, improved airborne communications and optional integration of the potent HForce weapon system. The helicopter’s maximum take-off weight has also been increased to 11,160kg, further boosting its mission flexibility.
With over 350 H225s and H225Ms in service worldwide, the platform boasts over 880,000 flight hours, underlining its maturity and reliability. It is currently operated by a diverse range of military customers, including France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil and Hungary.
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