Morocco has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of ten H225M helicopters, the European group announced, marking a step in the modernisation of the kingdom’s military air fleet.
According to Airbus, the helicopters will be configured for combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions and will replace the Pumas that have been in service for over forty years. “We are honoured that Morocco has chosen to replace its Puma fleet with the H225M,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, adding that this order “strengthens a partnership built over decades.”
The manufacturer indicates that the aircraft will be equipped with a twin winch, a searchlight, and the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system.
The Moroccan H225Ms will also carry machine guns and an electronic warfare suite for self-protection.
The contract also includes a comprehensive support package, encompassing connected services and expanded logistical support.
According to Airbus, more than 360 H225 and H225M helicopters are currently in service worldwide, totaling approximately 980,000 flight hours.
The model already equips several armed forces, notably in France, the Netherlands, Hungary, Brazil, Mexico, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, and Kuwait.
The manufacturer emphasises that the aircraft “is establishing itself as a benchmark for complex
missions in hostile environments.”
Airbus’s presence in Morocco is part of a long-standing commitment.
The group, through Airbus Atlantic, has been active in the Kingdom since 1951 in the manufacture of composite materials, the assembly of metal sub-assemblies, and avionics maintenance.
In 2024, Airbus Helicopters announced the creation of a customer center in Casablanca to support the approximately sixty Airbus helicopters operated by the Royal Moroccan Air Force, the Royal Moroccan Navy, and the Royal Gendarmerie.
This centre will evolve into a regional maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) platform dedicated to West Africa, consolidating, according to the manufacturer, Morocco’s role as a regional hub for
aircraft maintenance.
Morocco is pursuing a gradual modernisation of its air capabilities, including the acquisition in recent years of transport, training, and combat aircraft.
This operation strengthens a strategic aspect of the Morocco-Airbus industrial cooperation, while affirming the kingdom’s commitment to increasing its CSAR (Customer Service, Repair, and Overhaul) capabilities and structuring a regional MRO sector.
MK/AK/Sf/fss/as/APA