The Dutch Ministry of Defense has awarded a contract to Airbus for 12 H225M Caracal helicopters in an agreement signed during the Euronaval trade exhibition in Paris.
The deal was signed by Jan Willem Hartman, Head of the Netherlands Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT) agency, and Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. The agreement also includes support and services.
“We are very proud to see the Royal Netherlands Air Force and COMMIT renewing their trust in Airbus Helicopters,” said Even.
“The H225M was selected by the Netherlands in June 2023 after a call for tender and an exhaustive evaluation, after which the Airbus helicopter was considered the best option for the very demanding special forces operations,” he added.
Features
The Caracal is a twin-engine rotorcraft adaptable to various missions, including troop transport, combat search and rescue, and medical evacuation operations.
Powered by two Makila 2A1 engines, the H225M features a five-blade rotor system that enhances its mobility.
The Caracal can accommodate up to 28 troops alongside a two-person crew, has a cruise speed of 70 nautical miles (80 miles/130 kilometers), and a maximum take-off weight of 11,160 kilograms (25,573 pounds).
The helicopter is capable of carrying an array of weapons, such as machine guns, rocket launchers, anti-ship missiles, guided missiles, and aerial torpedoes.
Previous Procurements
In 2023, the Netherlands ordered 14 H225Ms to replace the AS532 Cougar medium-weight multipurpose helicopters, which have been in service for nearly 30 years.
Airbus currently supplies rotorcraft to 140 armed forces worldwide, with 350 H225Ms and H225s in active service.