Copyright: Airbus HelicoptersAirbus Helicopters recorded a robust year in 2025, logging 544 gross orders (536 net) across its full civil and military portfolio. The orders — placed by 205 customers in 50 countries — underline sustained global demand, with the company also seeing significant momentum in the uncrewed aerial systems sector. Airbus secured a 51% share of the civil and parapublic market and increased its military share to 28%, delivering 392 helicopters during the year.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said: “Airbus Helicopters’ outstanding performance in 2025, marked by an order intake increase close to 20% in units, demonstrates that our modern civil and military portfolios are delivering the precise mission capabilities required in today’s complex environment.
“Our focus on defence and security has never been sharper. Furthermore, we are leading the shift toward UAS by integrating
Survey Copter into our core operations, establishing a comprehensive range of tactical drones. By combining drones with our advanced and unique HTeaming capabilities, we provide a seamless, networked ecosystem for the modern battlespace. I want to thank our customers for their unwavering trust as we continue to pioneer the future of aerospace.”
The year saw several major sovereign commitments, including a flagship order from Spain for 100 helicopters, comprising 50 H145Ms, 31 NH90s for all service branches and the first orders for the H175M. Germany continued its modernisation programme by exercising an option for 20 additional H145Ms, bringing its total fleet to 82, with the first units already delivered. The NH90 programme also gained momentum, with the Netherlands adding three more aircraft, Greece signing a follow‑on support contract and Germany receiving its first NH90 Sea Tiger variant for Anti‑Submarine and Anti‑Surface Warfare roles.
The top performerIn the heavy segment, demand remained strong for the Super Puma family. Greece placed an order for eight H215s for firefighting, while Morocco signed a contract for 10 H225Ms, accompanied by the first deliveries to Iraq. The light twin‑engine sector also showed resilience, with Spain ordering 13 H135s and the UK National Police Air Service adding seven H135s. The H145 once again led the market, securing 149 orders and reaffirming its position as the top performer in both civil/parapublic and military applications.
Airbus announced a significant step forward at
Verticon 2025 with the unveiling of the H140, a next‑generation light twin designed with new techno‑bricks including a T‑tail configuration. The aircraft immediately gained traction with 61 firm orders. Innovation was equally evident in the Racer programme, which surpassed its intended performance targets by achieving a cruise speed of 440km/h, demonstrating the potential of Airbus’ optimised aerodynamic architecture.
The company further strengthened its position in the tactical drone sector by formally integrating Survey Copter into its core product range. Airbus signed its first UAS agreements with
Drone Forge and the
European Maritime Safety Agency, both selecting the Flexrotor system, while the French Ministry of Armed Forces ordered six VSR700s. Through its HTeaming concept, Airbus is advancing crewed‑uncrewed teaming by enabling crews to control drones in real time to extend mission capability.
Progress also continued across Airbus’ existing helicopter programmes. The military version of the H160, the H160M “Guépard”, completed its maiden flight in July. The H160 maintained a strong presence in the civil and parapublic market, capturing around half of the medium twin segment. The first H160 configured for law enforcement was delivered to the French Gendarmerie Nationale, while the aircraft expanded its firefighting role through a delivery to the Hiroshima City Fire Services Bureau and an order from the Nagoya City Fire Bureau. In the energy sector, the H160 began offshore operations in the United States with PHI Aviation. The H175 also strengthened its standing in the super‑medium class with 15 orders in 2025.
To support rising global demand, Airbus Helicopters continued its industrial expansion. Construction advanced on a new Final Assembly Line in Vemagal, Karnataka, India, scheduled to open in the coming weeks. This site will become the company’s fourth H125 assembly facility worldwide, reinforcing Airbus’ long‑term commitment to India and strengthening the resilience of its international supply chain.