Morocco orders 10 Airbus H225M helicopters to renew combat search and rescue fleet

Morocco has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of 10 H225M helicopters, the company announced at the Dubai Airshow. The new aircraft will join the Royal Moroccan Air Force and are intended for combat search and rescue operations.

The H225Ms will replace the service’s existing Puma fleet, which has been operational for over four decades. The acquisition aims to bolster Morocco’s rotary-wing capabilities in demanding mission profiles.

Each H225M will feature a dual hoist, searchlight, and Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system. The helicopters are configured to carry machine guns and a self-protection electronic warfare suite.

The agreement includes a support and services package, comprising connected services for fleet sustainment. More than 360 H225 and H225M helicopters are in global service, accumulating nearly 980,000 flight hours.

Military operators of the H225M include France, the Netherlands, Hungary, Brazil, Mexico, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, and Kuwait. Morocco joins this group as the latest customer for the type.

Airbus has maintained a presence in Morocco since 1951 through its Airbus Atlantic subsidiary, which is active in composite manufacturing. In 2024, Airbus Helicopters announced plans for a new support center in the country to serve the 60 Airbus helicopters currently operated by Moroccan defense and security forces.

“We are honored that Morocco has chosen to replace its aging Puma fleet with the H225M,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

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