Romania has signed a purchase order with France’s arms procurement agency for 12 Airbus H225M multi-mission helicopters.
Valued at approximately 757 million euros ($847 million), the order is funded under the European Union’s SAFE program and includes an initial logistics support package and personnel training.
The deal will partially replace Romania’s aging IAR-330 Puma fleet, which is used for conventional and special operations.
The H225Ms will be configured for ground-attack missions and equipped to conduct attack, reconnaissance, surveillance, tactical protection, and specialized airborne assault operations during day and night.
“We are honoured that Romania has chosen the H225M to strengthen its defence capabilities. This selection will also bolster Romania’s industrial capabilities through our long-term partnership with IAR, Romania’s sole helicopter manufacturer,” Airbus Helicopters CEO Matthieu Louvot said.
“We are proud to welcome Romania within the growing H225M community, establishing the H225M as a key asset of Europe’s defence,” he added.
SAFE Funding
The helicopter order is Romania’s second project approved under the European Commission’s SAFE program. The first covers the procurement of 12 Thales Ground Master 200 MM/A air-surveillance radars for approximately 247 million euros ($277 million).
Part of Thales’ Ground Master family, the GM200 MM/A is a 4D active electronically scanned array radar capable of detecting and tracking drones, aircraft, and missiles at ranges of up to 350 kilometers (217 miles).
Thales will also establish a Radar Competence Centre to strengthen Romania’s long-term industrial capacity and radar expertise, with the first system expected to be delivered in 2027.