Romania has signed a contract to acquire 12 Airbus H225M helicopters, as Bucharest moves to modernise its military rotorcraft fleet under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative.
The agreement was signed with France’s Armament General Directorate (DGA) under SAFE, the EU financial instrument designed to support urgent defence investments by member states and strengthen the European defence industry.
The 12 H225Ms will begin the replacement of Romania’s IAR-330 Puma fleet, supporting conventional and special-operations missions. Romania’s Air Force operates the Puma, a locally produced version of the aircraft built under licence from Aérospatiale. Bucharest has also previously ordered two H215Ms in a naval configuration.
The contract marks the second agreement between Romania and Airbus Helicopters under the SAFE initiative. Romania recently ordered seven H160 and five H145 helicopters for public-service missions.
Airbus has operated in Romania for more than two decades through its helicopter, defence and commercial-aircraft businesses. Airbus Helicopters’ customer centre provides support and services to Romanian and international fleets, while Airbus Defence and Space delivers secure communications and systems-engineering services. Airbus Commercial Aircraft manufactures strategic components in the country.
