Romania Orders 12 H225M Caracal Helicopters

Romania has signed a contract to purchase 12 Airbus H225M Caracal multi-purpose helicopters.

The agreement was signed with the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, the company said.

In the Romanian Air Force, the new H225Ms will replace the aging fleet of IAR-330 Puma helicopters, which were manufactured under French license.

Romania had previously ordered two H215M helicopters in a carrier-based variant, as well as seven H160s and five H145s for civilian and government services.

More than 350 H225 and H225M family helicopters are currently in service worldwide, having been procured by 12 countries, including France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Brazil, and Indonesia.

Airbus H225M Helicopter

The Airbus H225M Caracal is a military transport and multi-role helicopter designed for troop transport, medical evacuation, search-and-rescue missions, and special operations support.

The helicopter is equipped with two Safran Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines, each producing more than 2,100 hp, and a five-blade main rotor.

The helicopter has a maximum takeoff weight of 11,000 kg, while its cabin can accommodate up to 28 fully equipped paratroopers or carry up to 4,750 kg of payload on an external sling.

The H225M can reach a cruising speed of up to 260 km/h, has a range of more than 850 km, and can be equipped with onboard weapons, including machine guns, unguided rockets, and self-protection systems.

To engage ground and aerial targets, the helicopter can be equipped with the HForce weapon system, which includes pods with 20 mm NC621 automatic cannons, 12.7 mm FN M3P machine gun pods, as well as launchers for 70 mm unguided or laser-guided rockets.

For fire support and self-defense, 7.62 mm MAG58 machine guns or 13.2 mm machine guns mounted on turrets can be installed in the cabin’s side doors.

In specialized variants, the helicopter can carry Exocet anti-ship missiles for engaging surface targets or anti-tank guided missiles.