Airbus Helicopters has announced that it has signed a contract with the Kingdom of Morocco for the supply of ten H225M helicopters.
The H225Ms will be configured by Airbus Helicopters for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) missions and will be managed by Morocco’s Royal Air Force (Forces Royales Air).
The H225Ms for the Forces Royales Air will be equipped with a double winch, searchlight, and an electro-optic system, Safran Euroflir 410. The helicopters will also be prepped for installation of machine guns as part of the HForce system, and an electronic warfare system for self-protection.
In the ranks of the Royal Moroccan Air Force or Forces Royales Air (FRA), the H225Ms will replace the aging Pumas in service since 1973. Of the 27 original Pumas, about 15 remain in service. The Pumas were earlier SA-330C models upgraded between 2008 and 2010 in Romania by IAR.
Characteristics of H225M
The maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of the H225M has been increased by 160 kg and now reaches 11,160 kg.
The H225M, also known as the Caracal, has a crew of five men and reaches a maximum speed of 324 km/h, with a maximum cruise speed of 267 km/h and can carry up to 24 people.
The helicopter is equipped with an anti-missile protection system, capable of identifying threats and triggering countermeasures. A thermal camera and a laser telemetry system are installed on-board which allows for precision operations.
The Caracal can operate in any weather conditions due to the compatibility of the avionics in the cockpit with the night vision goggles (NVG) mounted on the pilots’ helmets.
The contract with Airbus Helicopters also includes a support and services package, including connected solutions.
The H225 Family around the World
Airbus Helicopters emphasizes that there are over 360 H225 and H225M currently in service worldwide, for a total of almost 980,000 accumulated flight hours.
Military customers include France, the Netherlands, Hungary, Brazil, Mexico, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, and Kuwait.
Airbus’ Presence in Morocco
Airbus has been present in Morocco since 1951 through Airbus Atlantic, a 100% Airbus subsidiary, specializing in the production of composite components, the assembly of complex metallic subgroups, and the maintenance and support of avionic equipment.
In 2024, Airbus Helicopters announced the creation of a customer center in Morocco, in support of the 60 Airbus helicopters in service with the Royal Moroccan Air Force, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Moroccan Gendarmerie.
The center will evolve into a facility dedicated to maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), becoming the regional reference hub for Airbus helicopters in West Africa.
Source: Airbus Helicopters
Photo credit: @Airbus Helicopters/Anthony Pecchi
