Airbus Strengthens Hungary’s Helicopter Fleet with Third Batch of Multirole H225M Caracal Deliveries
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According to an official press release reported by Airbus Helicopters on December 2, 2024, the Hungarian Defense Forces (HDF) have received their sixth pair of Airbus H225M Caracal multi-role helicopters. The two new aircraft were delivered to the air base near Szolnok, bringing the total number of such helicopters in the Hungarian fleet to 12. This acquisition is part of the contract signed in December 2018 and represents a key milestone in the efforts to modernize the country’s military air capabilities.
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Airbus H225M Caracal Multirole Helicopter (Picture source: Airbus)
The introduction of Airbus H225M helicopters into the Hungarian Defense Forces marks a significant advancement in the modernization of its air capabilities. Replacing the aging Soviet-origin Mil Mi-17s, these aircraft meet NATO standards, enhancing Hungary’s interoperability within the alliance. Versatile, the H225Ms can be used for various missions such as troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, as well as special operations thanks to the modular HForce weapon system.
In December 2018, Hungary signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of 16 H225M helicopters, marking a significant step in the modernization of its armed forces. The first deliveries began in July 2023, with the arrival of two aircraft at the Szolnok air base. Since then, deliveries have continued regularly, bringing the total to 12 helicopters by November 2024. This collaboration strengthens the transport, search and rescue, and special operations capabilities of the Hungarian Defense Forces, while also consolidating the relations between Hungary and Airbus in the defense sector.
These helicopters also play a key role in Hungary’s overall defense strategy, which aims to effectively respond to regional and international security challenges. Complementing other acquisitions such as Embraer C-390 transport aircraft and Airbus H145M light helicopters, the H225M enhances the country’s projection and rapid reaction capabilities, while supporting humanitarian and military missions in line with the modernization objectives of the Hungarian armed forces.
Designed as multi-role medium transport platforms, the H225M helicopters are equipped with advanced avionics, modern communication systems, and the modular HForce weapon system, allowing the integration of a wide range of armaments. “The new high-tech equipment will enhance the aerial transport, airdrop, and special operations capabilities of the Hungarian Defense Forces, ensuring increased security for the Hungarian people,” said the Minister of Defense, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, in a speech accompanying the delivery.
Replacing the old Mil Mi-17 helicopters with the H225M constitutes a central pillar in the transformation of Hungarian military aviation. Deliveries, which began in July 2023, aim to complete the fleet of 16 helicopters by the end of 2024, although logistical delays are possible. Additionally, Hungary is also modernizing its aerial fleet with other advanced platforms, such as the Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft and 20 Airbus H145M light utility helicopters, although one unit has been lost since the start of the program.
The Airbus H225M is a multi-role medium-lift helicopter powered by twin Turbomeca Makila 2A1 engines, offering exceptional performance and reliability. It boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 11,000 kg and can carry up to 28 troops or a 4,750 kg payload. Equipped with cutting-edge avionics, it features a digital four-axis autopilot and advanced navigation systems. Its HForce weapon system allows integration of a variety of armaments, including machine guns, rockets, and guided missiles. With a maximum range of 700 nautical miles (1,296 km) and in-flight refueling capability, the H225M is highly versatile for transport, combat, and humanitarian missions.
The Airbus H225M is a multi-role medium-lift helicopter powered by twin Turbomeca Makila 2A1 engines, offering exceptional performance and reliability. It boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 11,000 kg and can carry up to 28 troops or a 4,750 kg payload. Equipped with cutting-edge avionics, it features a digital four-axis autopilot and advanced navigation systems. Its HForce weapon system allows integration of a variety of armaments, including machine guns, rockets, and guided missiles. With a maximum range of 700 nautical miles (1,296 km) and in-flight refueling capability, the H225M is highly versatile for transport, combat, and humanitarian missions.
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According to an official press release reported by Airbus Helicopters on December 2, 2024, the Hungarian Defense Forces (HDF) have received their sixth pair of Airbus H225M Caracal multi-role helicopters. The two new aircraft were delivered to the air base near Szolnok, bringing the total number of such helicopters in the Hungarian fleet to 12. This acquisition is part of the contract signed in December 2018 and represents a key milestone in the efforts to modernize the country’s military air capabilities.
Airbus H225M Caracal Multirole Helicopter (Picture source: Airbus)
The introduction of Airbus H225M helicopters into the Hungarian Defense Forces marks a significant advancement in the modernization of its air capabilities. Replacing the aging Soviet-origin Mil Mi-17s, these aircraft meet NATO standards, enhancing Hungary’s interoperability within the alliance. Versatile, the H225Ms can be used for various missions such as troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, as well as special operations thanks to the modular HForce weapon system.
In December 2018, Hungary signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of 16 H225M helicopters, marking a significant step in the modernization of its armed forces. The first deliveries began in July 2023, with the arrival of two aircraft at the Szolnok air base. Since then, deliveries have continued regularly, bringing the total to 12 helicopters by November 2024. This collaboration strengthens the transport, search and rescue, and special operations capabilities of the Hungarian Defense Forces, while also consolidating the relations between Hungary and Airbus in the defense sector.
These helicopters also play a key role in Hungary’s overall defense strategy, which aims to effectively respond to regional and international security challenges. Complementing other acquisitions such as Embraer C-390 transport aircraft and Airbus H145M light helicopters, the H225M enhances the country’s projection and rapid reaction capabilities, while supporting humanitarian and military missions in line with the modernization objectives of the Hungarian armed forces.
Designed as multi-role medium transport platforms, the H225M helicopters are equipped with advanced avionics, modern communication systems, and the modular HForce weapon system, allowing the integration of a wide range of armaments. “The new high-tech equipment will enhance the aerial transport, airdrop, and special operations capabilities of the Hungarian Defense Forces, ensuring increased security for the Hungarian people,” said the Minister of Defense, Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky, in a speech accompanying the delivery.
Replacing the old Mil Mi-17 helicopters with the H225M constitutes a central pillar in the transformation of Hungarian military aviation. Deliveries, which began in July 2023, aim to complete the fleet of 16 helicopters by the end of 2024, although logistical delays are possible. Additionally, Hungary is also modernizing its aerial fleet with other advanced platforms, such as the Embraer C-390 Millennium transport aircraft and 20 Airbus H145M light utility helicopters, although one unit has been lost since the start of the program.
The Airbus H225M is a multi-role medium-lift helicopter powered by twin Turbomeca Makila 2A1 engines, offering exceptional performance and reliability. It boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 11,000 kg and can carry up to 28 troops or a 4,750 kg payload. Equipped with cutting-edge avionics, it features a digital four-axis autopilot and advanced navigation systems. Its HForce weapon system allows integration of a variety of armaments, including machine guns, rockets, and guided missiles. With a maximum range of 700 nautical miles (1,296 km) and in-flight refueling capability, the H225M is highly versatile for transport, combat, and humanitarian missions.
The Airbus H225M is a multi-role medium-lift helicopter powered by twin Turbomeca Makila 2A1 engines, offering exceptional performance and reliability. It boasts a maximum takeoff weight of 11,000 kg and can carry up to 28 troops or a 4,750 kg payload. Equipped with cutting-edge avionics, it features a digital four-axis autopilot and advanced navigation systems. Its HForce weapon system allows integration of a variety of armaments, including machine guns, rockets, and guided missiles. With a maximum range of 700 nautical miles (1,296 km) and in-flight refueling capability, the H225M is highly versatile for transport, combat, and humanitarian missions.
