Airbus Helicopters: Romania Orders 12 H225M to Replace Its Puma Fleet
The contract was concluded on October 7, 2026 with the French General Directorate for Armament (DGA), within the framework of the European SAFE instrument. It marks Romania's commitment to replacing its air force's Puma helicopter fleet.
Twelve H225M Ordered via French DGA
The Romanian government has signed a contract for the acquisition of 12 H225M multirole military helicopters from Airbus Helicopters. The agreement, announced from Marignane, was concluded with the French General Directorate for Armament (DGA), rather than directly with the manufacturer.
This arrangement is part of the European Commission's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program. This European Union financial instrument aims to provide financial support to member states to accelerate their defense preparedness by enabling urgent and large-scale investments benefiting Europe's defense industry, with a priority focus on addressing critical capability gaps.
Replacement of Romania's Puma Fleet
The Romanian air force currently operates the IAR-330 Puma, a locally produced version of the Puma manufactured under Aérospatiale license. According to Airbus, the 12 H225M will undertake the replacement of this fleet for conventional and special operations.
This is the second contract signed between Romania and Airbus Helicopters under SAFE, following a recent order of seven H160 and five H145 helicopters intended for public service missions. Bucharest had also previously ordered two H215M in naval configuration.
Partnership with IAR and a Fleet of Over 350 H225 in Service
Matthieu Louvot, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Helicopters, stated that this selection will also strengthen Romanian industrial capabilities through a long-term partnership established with IAR, the country's sole helicopter manufacturer. Airbus has been present in Romania for over twenty years through its three business activities: an Airbus Helicopters customer center provides support for Romanian Airbus fleets and works for export customers, Airbus Defence and Space supplies secure communications and systems engineering services, and the commercial aircraft division manufactures strategic components.
According to the group, more than 350 H225 and H225M are in service and have accumulated over one million flight hours. Romania thus joins the list of H225M customers, which also includes Brazil, France, Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Thailand.
