Airbus Helicopters H225M

Originally called the Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, the Airbus Helicopters H225M is a tactical helicopter developed from the Cougar and Super Puma family of helicopters. First flying in 2000, the H225M has been specifically developed as a long-range helicopter to support special operations and combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions behind enemy lines at any time of day in all weather conditions. In addition to being able to carry up to 28 troops into combat the H225M can also be armed using the Airbus Helicopters HForce Generic Weapon System with a variety of gun pods, rockets and Hellfire anti-tank missiles, Brazilian examples can also carry the Exocet anti-ship missile. To date over 350 examples have been built and orders have been placed by 12 nations.

Hungary has ordered a fleet of 16 of H225M helicopters configured to carry 24 troops and equipped to carry gun pods or rockets into combat. The first pair of helicopters were delivered by Airbus Helicopters during July 2023. The H225M has replaced the soviet-era Mi-17 Hip as the primary transport and CSAR helicopter within the Hungarian Defence Forces. The fleet is all flown by the 86th Helicopter Brigade of the Hungarian Defence Force known as the Szállitó Helikopter Zászlóalj alongside the H145M and the Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter.

In an operator debut, the 86th Helicopter Brigade will be providing one of their brand-new H225M helicopters for static display this coming July. This is the first time a H225M/Caracal has appeared at RIAT since the participation of a French example in 2009.

Photo credit: RIAT Photographer