Romania orders 12 Airbus H225M military helicopters — AeroTime

Romania has signed a contract to purchase 12 Airbus H225M multirole military helicopters, which are set to begin replacing the existing IAR-330 Puma fleet in the country’s Air Force. Airbus Helicopters reported the agreement on October 7, AeroTime writes.

The contract was concluded through the French defense procurement agency, Direction générale de l’armement. It is funded under the European Commission’s Security Action for Europe, or SAFE, program, which is intended to accelerate defense investment by EU member states, address critical capability gaps and support the European defense industry.

Replacing Puma helicopters

The Romanian Air Force currently operates the IAR-330 Puma, a licensed version of the Aerospatiale Puma produced by the local company Industria Aeronautică Română. The new H225Ms are intended for conventional and special operations.

According to Romania’s Ministry of Defense, the helicopters will be equipped for engaging ground targets, attack, reconnaissance and surveillance missions, tactical cover, and specialized airborne assault missions during the day and at night.

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Participation of Romanian industry

This is Romania’s second order from Airbus Helicopters under SAFE. Previously, the country ordered seven H160 helicopters and five H145 helicopters for state missions, as well as two H215Ms in a maritime configuration.

Romania’s Ministry of Defense stated that IAR Brașov will provide around 15% of the overall joint H225M procurement program. Airbus and the Romanian helicopter manufacturer have cooperated for decades, and their industrial agreement, which initially concerned the H215M, was expanded to include the H225M in 2025.

More than 350 H225 and H225M helicopters are in operation worldwide, with a combined total of more than one million flight hours. Before the Romanian order, the military version was used by 12 customers, including France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Brazil and Singapore.