The initial unit of six Airbus H145 helicopters designated for service in Brunei and Cyprus has been delivered to the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).
This new fleet was commissioned by the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) agency just over a year ago and has been modified at Airbus Helicopters UK in Oxford to meet the operational needs of UK forces deployed abroad.
The H145 helicopters will replace the operational roles previously fulfilled by the Puma HC2s, which began their phased retirement in March of this year. Operated by the Royal Air Force’s 84 Squadron in Cyprus and the Army Air Corps’ 667 Squadron in Brunei, these aircraft will primarily assist in aerial firefighting and jungle training operations, respectively.
The GBP 122 million procurement undertaken by DE&S has resulted in the creation of approximately 20 new engineering positions, with around 250 personnel stationed at Oxford Airport in Kidlington dedicated to ensuring the helicopters meet military service standards. Furthermore, the maintenance of the aircraft will be primarily conducted by Airbus Helicopters UK in Cyprus and Brunei.
Air Commodore Gareth Bryant, DE&S Head Helicopters 2, said: “With the decision to retire the Puma HC Mk2 after over 50 years of service, the imperative to deliver a replacement helicopter for Brunei and Cyprus increased in importance.”
“Already set extremely challenging timescales, the DE&S Multi Helicopter Platform Delivery Team has worked collaboratively with Army Capability and Airbus Helicopters UK to rapidly deliver the first aircraft.”
The H145 has established itself as a reliable platform for the UK Armed Forces, utilized at RAF Shawbury and RAF Valley within the UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS) to instruct helicopter aircrew in maritime, mountain, and search-and-rescue operations.
Opting for the H145 instead of commissioning a new custom aircraft reflects a commitment to efficiency and cost-effectiveness, achieved through enhanced uniformity in training, support, and spare parts supply. The initial aircraft was received from Airbus Helicopters UK by Group Captain Rob Hart, the Senior Responsible Owner for H145, at Airbus’s Oxford facility.
Currently, the helicopter is undergoing test and evaluation at MOD Boscombe Down, which includes flight trials.
Gp Capt Hart, Senior Responsible Owner for H145, said: “The delivery of the first of these versatile aircraft is testament to the outstanding teamwork between UK Armed Forces, DE&S and Airbus Helicopters UK.”
“Investment in this exciting capability also reaffirms our commitment to Cyprus and Brunei, where from 2026 the RAF’s 84 Sqn and 667 Sqn of the Army Air Corps will conduct vital tasks in support of Defence requirements.”
“H145, or Jupiter HC Mk2 as it will be known in service, will provide aviation support to both locations, in particular enabling jungle warfare training in Brunei and aerial firefighting in Cyprus.”
The H145 helicopters are powered by two Safran Arriel 2E turboshaft engines and feature a five-blade rotor system. They can reach speeds of up to 164 mph (265 kph), and possess a maximum flight range of 351 nmi (651 km). With a length of 13.64 metres and a maximum take-off weight of 3,800 kilograms, they are well-suited for the missions they are intended to undertake.
Richard Atack, Managing Director at Airbus Helicopters UK, said: “We are extremely proud to be handing over the first of this additional batch of H145 Jupiter helicopters, fully role-equipped at our Oxford factory barely a year after receiving the order for the aircraft.”
“The additional capability provided by the five-blade rotor on the Jupiter HC2 makes it the ideal helicopter to replace the Airbus Puma HC2 in these critical and demanding roles in Cyprus and Brunei.”
