France Boosts Helicopter Sector with H225M Orders and VSR700 Prototype Development
Florence Parly, the French Minister of Armed Forces, has declared that the Armament General Directorate (DGA) has finalized an agreement for the acquisition of eight additional H225M helicopters and the second VSR700 prototype. The H225Ms will be utilized by the French Air and Space Force. The VSR700 is an unmanned aerial vehicle being developed for the French Navy in collaboration with Naval Group. This procurement is part of a Stimulus initiative aimed at bolstering the national aviation industry, revealed by the French government in 2020. For Airbus Helicopters, this initiative also encompasses an order for two H145s for Sécurité Civile and 10 H160s for the French Gendarmerie Nationale.
“We express sincere gratitude to the French government for their commitment to the aviation sector through the Stimulus initiative. This is advantageous for both parties as the aircraft address a genuine operational requirement for the French armed forces while ensuring that Airbus Helicopters retains jobs and vital skills in the medium term,” stated Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “The French armed forces are encountering rising and diverse challenges, and I am assured that the H225M, with its remarkable range and multifunctional capability, will serve as an efficient and dependable asset that will elevate their operations domestically and internationally. The VSR700 is also an essential project, providing the French Navy with a highly competent autonomous platform and paving the way for future unmanned systems within the Airbus Helicopters offerings.”
Similar to other aerospace sectors, the helicopter industry faced challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic, resulting in a global market decline of 50% in 2020. The support from the French government will safeguard 960 jobs over the next three years for Airbus Helicopters and its suppliers.
These agreements will enhance the French helicopter sector as a whole, benefiting other prominent French aerospace companies such as Safran Helicopters Engines, which supplies the H225M’s Makila 2A engines; Safran Power Units, which provides the Saphir 20 auxiliary power unit; Safran Electronic Defense, responsible for the Euroflir 410M NG electro-optical system and Sigma inertial navigation system; and Thales, which contributes the VUHF radio TRA6034 and IFF transponder TSC4000. With over 300 French Tier 1 suppliers engaged in the H225M’s supply chain, the contract will also aid numerous small and medium-sized enterprises. The VSR700 is based on the Cabri G2 light helicopter manufactured by local SME Hélicoptères Guimbal.
The initial deliveries of the H225Ms are scheduled to commence in 2024, fulfilling the operational requirements of the Air and Space Force and replacing the long-serving Puma fleet.
Featuring a modular and adaptable configuration that facilitates diverse equipment integration, the aircraft will be assigned to a broad spectrum of military duties, including combat/search and rescue, medical evacuation, crisis support, and tactical training. Stationed at the Air and Space Force’s Cazaux base in Southwest France, the helicopters will be deployed nationwide and will also assist the French armed forces in international operations.
With over 104 helicopters actively in service and accumulating more than 143,000 flight hours to date, the H225M is recognized for its combat-proven versatility and reliability in military operations globally. Among its significant operational features is the in-flight refueling capability, already tested by the French and Brazilian air forces.
Developed to function alongside other shipborne naval assets, the VSR700 unmanned aerial system (UAS) is being designed under the SDAM (Système de drone aérien de la Marine) program for the French Navy. The VSR700, modeled after Hélicoptères Guimbal’s Cabri G2, operates within the 500-1000 kg maximum take-off weight range. It offers an optimal balance of payload capacity, endurance, and operational expense. It can carry various full-size naval sensors for extended durations and can operate from existing vessels, alongside a helicopter, with a minimal logistical footprint.
The first VSR700 prototype completed its maiden flight in 2020 and has recently begun broadening its flight capabilities.
