The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has placed an additional order for three H225 helicopters, increasing its total H225 fleet to 18. As the largest Super Puma operator in Japan, the Coast Guard received three H225s in December 2023 and one in February 2024 to bolster its expanding fleet. These new helicopters will support territorial coastal activities, maritime law enforcement and disaster relief missions across the country.
“The Japan Coast Guard has been actively operating Super Puma-family helicopters for three decades. This follow-on order reflects the customer’s confidence in our products and the dedicated support provided to their fleet,” said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “We believe the H225 is the ideal choice for JCG’s critical missions in law enforcement, coastal and island protection, given its versatility in all weather conditions. We are committed to fully supporting its existing fleet, as well as its upcoming deliveries, ensuring high availability for its operations.”
JCG’s H225 fleet benefits from Airbus’ highly adaptive HCare Smart full-by-the-hour material support. This customised fleet availability programme allows the national Coast Guard agency to focus on its flight operations while Airbus manages its assets.
As the latest addition to the Super Puma family, the H225 is renowned for its high performance in challenging conditions, outstanding range, and payload capacity. The H225 has undergone continuous improvement by Airbus Helicopters, now equipped with new avionics including the largest screens available on the market and an innovative interface that, combined with its renowned autopilot, reduces pilot workload and enables them to focus on the mission at hand.
Currently, 24 H225s are flown in Japan by Japan’s Ministry of Defence or para-public operators for various search and rescue missions, VIP transport, firefighting, as well as passenger and cargo transportation.