The National Guard of Cyprus will expand its fleet by adding six Airbus H145M multi-role light military helicopters.
The new purchase agreement also includes options for a further six H145M helicopters. Airbus did not disclose the expected delivery date of the order.
“Able to operate in very demanding environments, the H145M will enhance the National Guard’s Day and night capabilities in delivering rapid response, fire power and precision, providing effective combat support, and acquiring critical information,” said Andreas P. Louka, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Cyprus.
The H145M is a military helicopter derived from the civilian H145 aircraft. The H145M features a five-bladed rotor and is powered by two Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2E turbines. The H145M helicopter has a maximum range of 638 kilometers and a speed of 240 kilometers per hour.
The H145M is currently used in Hungary, Germany, Serbia, Thailand, and Luxembourg.
“Operators can use it for tactical air transport, deployment of crisis response forces, fire support, armed reconnaissance as well as the evacuation of wounded or the liberation of hostages. There are now five different customers for the H145M in Europe, adding to the interoperability of armed forces on the continent,” said Olivier Michalon, executive vice president global business at Airbus Helicopters.