UK forces receive first of six Airbus H145 helicopters in Brunei and Cyprus
The MOD has received the first of six Airbus H145 helicopters which are set to replace the Puma in Cyprus and Brunei.
The new fleet was ordered over a year ago and, after modifications, is set to support UK troops overseas.
They will fulfil the requirements previously met by the Puma, which was retired in March.
Flown by the RAF's 84 Squadron in Cyprus and 667 Squadron Army Air Corps in Brunei, the aircraft will primarily be used to support aerial firefighting and jungle training.
The H145 is already a trusted platform for UK defence as it is flown at RAF Shawbury and RAF Valley as part of the UK Military Flying Training System (MFTS) to train helicopter aircrew in maritime, mountain and search-and-rescue techniques.
Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E turboshaft engines, the H145s have a five-blade rotor, fly up to 265kph and have a maximum flying range of 651km.
The H145 is 13.64m in length and has a maximum take-off weight of 3,700kg, making it ideal for the missions the type will be deployed on.
Air Commodore Gareth Bryant, DE&S Head Helicopters 2, said it was "imperative to deliver a replacement helicopter" to personnel in Brunei and Cyprus.
"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," he said
"We are delighted the first of these impressive new aircraft has now been delivered to commence test and evaluation in what has been a truly successful joint team effort."
Procuring the H145 rather than commissioning the purchase of a new bespoke aircraft demonstrated "efficiency and value for money", according to the MOD.
The first aircraft was accepted from Airbus Helicopters UK by Group Captain Rob Hart, the Senior Responsible Owner for H145, at Airbus's Oxford site.
Testing and evaluation of the helicopter in its new roles is underway at MOD Boscombe Down.
Gp Capt Hart 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."
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