Germany is set to invest nearly €1 billion ($1.2 billion) in 20 more H145M military helicopters from Airbus, with deliveries scheduled across 2027 and 2028, according to a finance ministry
document seen by Reuters.
The new order, first reported by Bloomberg, is outlined in a paper the ministry plans to submit to parliament. The defence ministry declined to discuss details, citing ongoing parliamentary review of procurement plans.
The purchase fulfills the remainder of a 2023 framework agreement permitting the Bundeswehr to acquire up to 82 H145M helicopters. With 62 already on order, this latest tranche brings the German armed forces to the framework’s maximum.
Of the 20 helicopters, 15 will be configured for combat missions and five will be used to train special forces. Funding will come from a special defence allocation established earlier this year to accelerate the modernisation of Germany’s military.
The expanded order is expected to benefit a range of defence suppliers. Electronics firm Hensoldt, for example, will provide key systems including electronic warfare and night-vision equipment.
As European nations increase military spending in response to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Germany projects that maintaining and operating its full fleet of 82 H145M helicopters will cost almost €3 billion through 2048. Photo by Admiralis-generalis-Aladeen, Wikimedia commons.