Germany Spends $2.3 Billion on Airbus Light Attack Helicopters
Defense News - The German Defence Ministry has inked a deal with Airbus for the procurement of 62 H145M light attack helicopters, incorporating a strategic response to the lessons learned from conflicts in Ukraine. This comprehensive agreement allocates 57 helicopters to the Army and five to the Air Force special operations forces, with an option for an additional 20 in the future, as stated by Airbus Helicopters in a press release on December 14. The slated delivery of these helicopters is set to commence in 2024.
The contract, approved by German lawmakers on December 13, involves a funding request of €2.1 billion (U.S. $2.3 billion). While all helicopters will be equipped to carry an armaments package, including the Spike LR guided anti-tank missile, only 24 will be initially configured for this purpose, according to undisclosed sources within the parliamentary defense community in Berlin.
This procurement decision, encompassing advanced anti-tank capabilities, is influenced by the evolving understanding of the need for standoff capabilities in tank warfare. Notably, Russian helicopters in Ukraine effectively engaged Ukrainian armored vehicles from a secure distance, prompting the inclusion of such capabilities in the German fleet. The latest iteration of the Spike LR missile, an Israeli design marketed by Eurospike in Europe, boasts a range of 10 kilometers (6 miles) when fired from helicopters, enhancing the German military ability to engage targets from a distance.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed confidence in meeting the ambitious delivery schedule, emphasizing the commitment to ensuring the German military receives the helicopters as per the agreed timeline. Despite the substantial procurement of the H145M fleet, defense officials view it as a transitional solution until the deployment of a new generation of drones and loitering munitions in the longer term.
The H145M, a military-specific variant derived from a helicopter family available in the law enforcement market, is set to replace Germany existing Tiger choppers. Currently, the German military operates 24 twin-engine H145M aircraft for special operations, search and rescue missions, as highlighted in a statement by Airbus. Its worth noting that the U.S. Army Lakota light utility helicopters, with a fleet of 500, share the same design foundation as the H145M.
H145M light Attack Helicopters Specifications :-
- Main rotor diameter: 10.84 meters (35.6 feet)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 4,365 kilograms (9,620 pounds)
- Engines: Two Safran Turbomeca Arriel 2E turboshaft engines, each producing 680 kW (912 shp)
- Maximum speed: 276 kilometers per hour (171 mph)
- Range: 680 kilometers (423 miles) with standard internal fuel tanks
- Armament: Up to four pintle-mounted 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine guns, rocket launchers, Hellfire missiles, and other weapons systems
The H145M is known for its:
- High agility and maneuverability: Capable of operating in tight spaces and performing complex maneuvers, making it ideal for urban environments or mountainous terrain.
- Advanced avionics and sensor suite: Featuring a modern glass cockpit, night vision capabilities, and targeting systems, allowing for precise and effective operations in all weather conditions.
- Modular design and payload flexibility: The H145M can be configured for various mission requirements, with quick-change weapon systems and optional internal/external fuel tanks.
