Airbus Delivers First H160 for the Gendarmerie Nationale

Why It Matters

The addition of the H160 modernizes the Gendarmerie's air capability, improving mission flexibility while cutting lifecycle costs. It also reinforces France’s domestic defence aerospace sector.

Key Takeaways

• First H160 delivered to French Gendarmerie.
• Order of ten H160s placed Dec 2021.
• H160 complements existing H145 fleet, shares avionics.
• New rotorcraft offers reduced operating costs, higher availability.
• Integration to be complete by early 2027 with training.

Pulse Analysis

The French Gendarmerie Nationale’s decision to replace aging helicopters with Airbus’s H160 reflects a broader trend of European security forces prioritising next‑generation rotorcraft. Ordered in December 2021, the ten‑aircraft programme follows the earlier delivery of an H145, creating a mixed fleet that balances medium‑lift capability with advanced digital avionics. By selecting a platform certified by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the ministry ensures compliance with stringent safety standards while supporting the domestic aerospace supply chain, a key factor in France’s defence industrial policy.

The H160 brings a suite of efficiency‑driven features that directly lower the Gendarmerie’s operating budget. Its Helionix avionics suite, common with the H145, simplifies pilot training and reduces logistical footprints, while the integrated engine‑rotor maintenance plan cuts downtime and spare‑part inventories. Airbus also bundles a global support contract that positions spare‑parts depots at four Gendarmerie bases, enabling rapid turnaround and higher mission availability. These cost‑saving measures, combined with the aircraft’s larger payload and extended range, expand the force’s capability to conduct surveillance, search‑and‑rescue, and rapid‑response operations.

Strategically, the H160 delivery underscores Airbus Helicopters’ growing role in France’s defence ecosystem and its ambition to export the platform across Europe. The programme dovetails with the development of the militarised H160M Guépard, whose maiden flight last summer demonstrates a clear product‑line evolution from civil to tactical missions. By securing a domestic contract, the French government not only modernises its internal security assets but also signals confidence in home‑grown technology, a message that could influence neighboring countries’ procurement choices amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Airbus delivers first H160 for the Gendarmerie Nationale

Marignane, France, 16 December 2025

The first H160 helicopter for the French Gendarmerie Nationale was handed over to the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) during a ceremony held at the Airbus Helicopters headquarters in Marignane. Ten H160s were ordered in December 2021 by the DGA on behalf of the Ministry of Interior.

“The delivery of the first H160 to the Gendarmerie Nationale is the result of a close cooperation with the Gendarmerie and the DGA, to develop a solution entirely dedicated to the most demanding security missions,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

“This programme is a testament to our commitment to the future of French defence and security, notably with the ongoing development of the H160M Guépard, whose maiden flight took place last summer. The synergies established between these two programmes directly benefit the French forces, ensuring an unprecedented level of performance and interoperability for critical civil and military missions,” he added.

This delivery is part of the Gendarmerie Nationale’s helicopter fleet renewal programme, which began with the delivery of the first H145 in November. The two helicopters are complementary in terms of missions and capabilities. They also share numerous features, such as the Helionix avionics suite, communications systems and mission equipment, facilitating maintenance, training and operational interoperability.

The H160 is the largest rotorcraft ever operated by the Gendarmerie Nationale, providing additional mission capabilities. The delivery of the first helicopter will launch the standard acceptance process, operational integration and entry into service, which will last until early 2027. This step will also include the training and qualification of the crews and technical personnel, as well as the implementation of the helicopter’s operating procedures.

The first helicopter of a new generation, the EASA‑certified H160, benefits from reduced operating costs and optimised flight safety. With its streamlined maintenance plan, aligned between the engines and the rotorcraft, the H160 optimises operational costs and sets a new standard for availability. The Gendarmerie’s H160 will benefit from a global support contract managed by Airbus Helicopters, including technical support, spare‑parts stock on four of the Gendarmerie Nationale’s bases, as well as connected services.

#H160 #MakingMissionsPossible

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Contacts

• Laurence Petiard – Airbus Helicopters – [phone] – [email protected]

• Emmanuel Huberdeau – Airbus Helicopters – [phone] – [email protected]