Germany has decided to exercise the option for 20 more H145M light combat helicopters (Leichter Kampfhubschrauber or LKH for short) that were part of a contract signed in December 2023, bringing the total number to 82 helicopters.
Stefan Thomé, managing director of
Airbus Helicopters in Germany, said: “We are honoured and proud that Germany has decided to order 20 amore H145M LKH helicopters. This further commitment by one of our home countries is a powerful sign of trust in the H145M's exceptional performance and multi-role capabilities.”
The first H145M LKH helicopter was delivered to Germany, less than a year after the contract signature, in November 2024 and additional helicopters have since been delivered. The helicopters will be used for training, reconnaissance, special forces operations and light attack. The German Army will receive 72 helicopters, while the Luftwaffe’s special forces will receive 10.
The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter that provides a broad range of mission capabilities. Within minutes, the helicopter can be reconfigured from a light attack role with axial ballistic and guided weapons and a ‘state of the art’ self-protection system into a special operations version with fast rappelling equipment. The comprehensive mission packages include hoisting and external cargo capabilities.
Most demanding missionsThe global fleet of the H145 family, a tried-and-tested, light twin-engine H145 helicopter, has accumulated more than eight million flight hours. It is used by armed and law enforcement forces around the world for the most demanding missions. The Bundeswehr already operates H145 helicopters for special forces operations and search-and-rescue missions.
The US Army employs almost 500 helicopters from the H145 family under the name of UH-72 Lakota, which have clocked more than 1.5 million flight hours. Other military operators of the H145 family are Hungary, Serbia, Luxembourg, Thailand, Ecuador, Honduras and Cyprus. Recent orders include Belgium signing for 17, Brunei for six and Ireland for four H145Ms.
Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145M is fitted with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC). In addition, the helicopter is equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite which, alongside innovative flight data management, includes a high-performance four-axis autopilot, reducing pilot workload during missions. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145M the quietest helicopter in its class.