Airbus announced that Cyprus has signed an agreement to purchase six H145M attack helicopters with the option to add another six as it seeks to phase out Soviet-era armaments.
The Government of Cyprus has contracted with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of six H145Ms with the option of adding another six. The 5-wing helicopters will be operated by the Cyprus National Guard.
“Implementation of this agreement will provide the National Guard with a cost-effective and high-performance helicopter solution that meets the operational requirements set forth by the General Staff and addresses tackle many of the future challenges of light attack helicopter squadrons. Able to operate in very demanding environments, the H145M will enhance the National Guard’s day and night capabilities in providing quick response, fire and accuracy, and effective combat support. and gather vital information,” said Andreas P. Louka, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus.
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“The helicopter solution conceived by National Air/Defense Forces Command would not have been possible without Airbus’ strong commitment to customer focus and satisfaction. For this reason, I thank Airbus Helicopters for their great cooperation and commitment to this project. ,” he added.
“We would like to thank the Government of Cyprus for the trust they are placing in the H145M,” said Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Sales at Airbus Helicopters. “Operators can use it for tactical airlift, crisis response deployment, fire support, armed reconnaissance as well as evacuation of the wounded or the release of hostages. There are now five different customers for the H145M in Europe, further increasing the interoperability of the armed forces on the continent,” he added. “We see strong interest in the H145M around the world and we have a number of campaigns going on, which is very promising for this aircraft.”
The H145M is a multi-role light military helicopter. Derived from the civil H145, the latest version of the H145M features a newly improved 5-blade propeller that increases the helicopter’s payload to 150 kg. The design of the new bearingless main rotor also simplifies maintenance operations.
Equipped with Airbus’ HForce weapon system, the H145M can act as a light attack helicopter. Weapon ranges including guns, rockets and missiles are currently integrated. Combined with its Unmanned Squadron capabilities and its ability to integrate into networked combat, its bandwidth makes it the most efficient helicopter in its class.
The H145 was developed as a civil aircraft for day and night operations and in the most adverse conditions. It is used by armed forces, police and rescue teams worldwide. It is powered by two powerful Safran Arriel 2E Helicopter turbines, controlled by a FADEC (full digital engine control) system. In addition, the helicopter is equipped with Helionix digital avionics and thus offers not only innovative flight data management, but also a powerful 4-axis autopilot, greatly reduces the pilot’s workload during their missions. Its exceptionally low noise emission makes the H145 the quietest helicopter in its class.
The H145M has already entered service in Hungary (20), Germany (15), Serbia (9), Thailand (5) and Luxembourg (2). The United States Army operates a fleet of more than 460 domestically built civilian helicopters of the H145 family, known as the UH-72 Lakota.
