Cyprus has officially welcomed the first two H145M multirole helicopters from Airbus, marking a significant milestone in the country’s military modernization efforts. This delivery is part of a contract signed in 2022, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Cypriot National Guard, the island nation’s military force. Under the terms of the agreement, Cyprus is set to receive a total of six advanced helicopters, with the remaining units scheduled to be delivered later this year.
The H145M helicopters are equipped with Airbus’ proprietary HForce weapons system, designed to enable the aircraft to engage in light attack missions. This feature is particularly relevant in today’s evolving military landscape, where hybrid warfare strategies are becoming increasingly common. Olivier Michalon, EVP of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, emphasized the importance of versatility in modern militaries, stating, “With hybrid warfare set to play an increasing role in future conflicts, militaries will seek versatile helicopters that can perform a variety of pivotal functions.” He noted that Cyprus is joining a growing network of European nations that operate the H145M for a diverse range of missions, including training, special operations, troop transport, and light attack.
The H145M helicopter boasts noteworthy specifications, measuring 14 meters (46 feet) in length and featuring a rotor diameter of 11 meters (36 feet). It is powered by twin Turbomeca Arriel 2E shaft engines, each capable of producing 570 horsepower. This powerful setup allows the helicopter to carry up to 10 personnel while engaging adversaries using mounted machine guns, rockets, and multi-domain missiles. Additionally, the H145M can operate at an altitude of approximately 5,000 meters (16,404 feet), boasts a range of over 660 kilometers (410 miles), and has a maximum speed of 250 kilometers (155 miles) per hour.
This acquisition not only enhances the operational capabilities of the Cypriot National Guard but also reflects a broader trend among European militaries to invest in multi-role helicopter platforms that can adapt to various mission profiles. The successful delivery of the H145Ms is seen as a crucial step in strengthening Cyprus’s defense capabilities amid evolving security challenges.
