German military receives initial order of 82 H145M helicopters from Airbus
The German Bundeswehr has taken delivery of its first H145M "Leichter Kampfhubschrauber" (LKH) helicopters, marking a significant upgrade for the country's aviation capabilities. These multi-role, light combat helicopters are designed to perform a variety of missions, including fire support, combat search and rescue, liaison operations, transport, medical evacuation, and special forces support.
The H145M is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines and equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite, which includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot to reduce pilot workload during missions. The helicopter's exceptionally low acoustic footprint makes it the quietest helicopter in its class, suitable for stealth operations.
The German Army will receive 57 helicopters, while the Luftwaffe's special forces will receive five. The first delivered H145M LKH is dedicated to training operations and will be used at the German Army's Bückeburg base. The Bundeswehr and Airbus Helicopters signed a contract in December 2023 for the purchase of up to 82 multi-role H145M helicopters, with an option for 20 more. The contract includes seven years of support and services for the German Army.
The H145M is the military version of the light twin-engine H145 helicopter, with a global fleet of close to eight million flight hours. The helicopter's versatility is demonstrated by its use by military operators across the globe, including Hungary, Serbia, Luxembourg, Thailand, Ecuador, Honduras, Cyprus, Belgium, and Brunei. The US Army also employs almost 500 helicopters from the H145 family under the name of UH-72 Lakota, which have clocked over 1.5 million flight hours.
The first delivery of an H145M LKH in the light attack role to the German customer is scheduled for 2025. With these new helicopters, the Bundeswehr aims to replace older light utility helicopters and support the German Army’s aviation regiments' diverse operational needs, enhancing both day-to-day utility and combat capabilities. In exercises like Talisman Sabre 2025, German forces demonstrated interoperability and rapid deployment capabilities, which the H145M LKH supports through its transport and multi-role functions, emphasizing Germany’s commitment to global security partnerships and rapid response readiness.
In summary, the Bundeswehr’s H145M LKH helicopters serve as versatile, modern light combat helicopters ideal for a wide range of tactical missions from attack support to casualty evacuation and special forces operations. The H145M's advanced avionics, digital engine control, and self-protection system, combined with its comprehensive mission packages including hoisting and external cargo capabilities, make it a valuable asset to the German military.
[1] Bundeswehr signs contract for up to 82 H145M helicopters: https://www.airbushelicopters.com/en/news/press-releases/2023/12/german-army-signs-contract-for-up-to-82-h145m-helicopters-20231208.html
[2] Bundeswehr takes delivery of first H145M LKH: https://www.airbushelicopters.com/en/news/press-releases/2024/11/german-army-takes-delivery-of-first-h145m-lkh-20241118.html
[3] German forces demonstrate interoperability at Talisman Sabre 2025: https://www.airbushelicopters.com/en/news/press-releases/2025/07/german-forces-demonstrate-interoperability-at-talisman-sabre-2025-20250701.html
[4] German Armed Forces name new H145Ms "Leichter Kampfhubschrauber" (LKH): https://www.airbushelicopters.com/en/news/press-releases/2024/01/german-armed-forces-name-new-h145ms-leichter-kampfhubschrauber-lkh-20240110.html
The H145M helicopters, powered by Safran Arriel 2E engines and equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite, are part of a significant technology upgrade for the German Bundeswehr's aviation fleet. The advanced avionics and comprehensive mission packages of the H145M help the German military perform a variety of missions effectively, from fire support to transport, medical evacuation, and special forces support.
