TSAMTO, November 11th. The German Finance Ministry is preparing a document for consideration by parliament providing for the implementation of an option to supply additional H-145M light attack helicopters to the Bundeswehr under the framework agreement of November 14, 2023 under the LKH (Leichter Kampfhubschrauber) program.
According to the Bloomberg news agency, according to a government document, the Bundestag intends to approve the purchase of weapons worth more than 3 billion. euros ($3.47 billion), including the purchase of 20 Airbus light combat helicopters worth about 1 billion. euro.
According to the document, the list of defense contracts that lawmakers are expected to approve at a closed meeting on November 12 also includes 100,000 Hensoldt AG and Theon International night vision devices worth about 1 billion. euro. In addition, the Bundeswehr is requesting permission to purchase the IRIS-T SLM air defense system manufactured by Diehl in the amount of 1.2 billion. euro.
Recall that in December 2023, the budget committee of the German Parliament approved the purchase of 62 helicopters worth about 2.6 billion. euro. This allowed the German Armed Forces to conclude a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of up to 82 light multipurpose H-145M helicopters (a firm order for 62 vehicles plus an option for 20 additional ones) equipped with the HForce weapon control system. The helicopters are designed to perform training, reconnaissance, MTR support, and fire support tasks. The contract also includes the provision of support and maintenance for 7 years.
Berlin intends to use the H-145M as a temporary replacement for the Tiger attack helicopters of the Ground Forces, purchased from Airbus Helicopters. They will also be used by the Air Force.
As planned, 57 helicopters will be transferred to the German Army (24 in combat version and 33 training), and 5 units will be transferred to the Air Force special operations forces. Deliveries are planned for the period from 2024 to 2028.
Airbus Helicopters announced the handover ceremony of the first ordered H-145M to the German Armed Forces on November 18, 2024, which took place at Donauwerth. It is designed for training personnel and is located at the International Training Center based on the German Armed Forces in Bucceburg. According to the contract, the delivery of the first H-145M LKH in the light attack helicopter version is scheduled for 2025. Pilot training for the German Armed Forces began in August 2024.
The new order will include 15 helicopters for combat missions and five vehicles for Air Force MTR training. The purchase will be funded by a special fund established earlier this year to support the urgent modernization of the German Armed Forces. The delivery of 20 helicopters is planned for a two-year period starting in 2027.
The H-145M is a military version of the twin–engine civilian H-145, which has been in service since 2014. The H-145M can be used for a wide range of missions, including troop and cargo transportation, fire support, reconnaissance, search and rescue operations, armed reconnaissance, and medical evacuation. The German Armed Forces already operate 16 H-145M LUH SOF helicopters to support MTR operations and 8 H-145 LUH SAR helicopters to conduct search and rescue operations.
