Morocco has placed an order for 10 H225M choppers from Airbus Helicopters, which the Royal Moroccan Air Force will use in combat search and rescue operations.
The contract includes a support and service package. However, its total cost and delivery timeline were not disclosed.
The incoming aircraft will replace the aging Puma helicopters and will be fitted with a double hoist installation, searchlight, and a Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system.
Meanwhile, each chopper will be armed with machine guns and equipped with an electronic warfare self-protection suite.
“We are honoured that Morocco has chosen to replace its legacy Puma fleet with the H225M,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, describing the H225M as “enjoying a strong momentum on the market.”
Several countries operate the H225M, including France, Iraq, and Thailand.
Multi-Role Chopper
The H225M is built not just for combat search and rescue, but also for special operations, tactical transport, and medical evacuation.
Powered by two Safran Makila 2A1 engines, it flies at a maximum speed of 324 kilometers (201 miles) per hour and cruises at 262 kilometers (163 miles) per hour.
The H225M can operate from both ships and land bases, with all-weather and full night-vision compatibility.
With standard fuel tanks, its range reaches 920 kilometers (572 miles) and increases to 1,253 kilometers (778 miles) with extended tanks. Meanwhile, it can remain airborne for 4 hours and 30 minutes.
The chopper seats 31 personnel, with a maximum takeoff weight of 11,000 kilograms (24,251 pounds), or 11,200 kilograms (24,691 pounds) when carrying an external load.
Airbus in Morocco
Airbus operates in Morocco through its Airbus Atlantic subsidiary, which produces composite and metallic components and supports avionics systems.
In 2024, it opened a customer center to service the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces’ 60 Airbus helicopters, and the site is now being considered for expansion into a full maintenance, repair, and overhaul hub for West Africa.
