In an effort to strengthen European civil protection, emergency response, and public safety frameworks, Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Romania for the acquisition of 12 multirole helicopters, comprising seven H160 and five H145 aircraft. The investment is part of the European initiative Security Action for Europe (SAFE). The state-of-the-art fleet will be operated by the Ministry’s General Inspectorate of Aviation, under the coordination of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU).
The H160 fleet will provide a high-performance multirole capability, with four aircraft dedicated to civil protection and disaster relief missions, whilst three will support public order, aerial surveillance, and tactical security operations. The H145 fleet will be fully allocated to the country’s emergency rescue service (SMURD) and mountain rescue operations, serving as the primary resource for rapid emergency medical interventions, specialised medical evacuations, and complex search-and-rescue (SAR) missions.
The selection of both the H160 and the H145 highlights the unique capability of our product range to deliver an integrated, highly efficient response to complex missions. This, according to Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, will enhance its operational readiness, reducing emergency reaction times and positioning itself as a robust contributor to European integrated rescue and security mechanisms. Louvot added, “We are fully committed to supporting their critical life-saving and public safety operations.”
Airbus has been present in Romania for over twenty years through its three businesses: an Airbus Helicopters customer centre, a successful enterprise since its creation with about 75 per cent of its turnover achieved through export contracts; Airbus Defence and Space providing turnkey secure communications and systems engineering services through its engineering department and manufacturing detached parts for Airbus Commercial Aircraft.
FAQs
What are the characteristic features of H160 and H145 helicopters?
The H160 is one of the world’s most technologically advanced helicopters, designed and built to deliver the highest levels of operational safety alongside the extended range and spacious cabin required for demanding multi-role operations. Equipped with the Helionix avionics suite, the H160 offers intuitive flight controls, enhanced situational awareness and reduced pilot workload.
The Airbus H145 is a highly versatile, multi-role light-twin helicopter renowned for its exceptional performance, low acoustic footprint, and reliability. Operating across 70+ countries, it is utilized globally for emergency medical services (HEMS), law enforcement, corporate transport, and offshore energy support.
Which engines power the H160 and H145?
H160 are powered by two Safran Arrano 1A turboshaft engines, which deliver up to 1,300 horsepower per engine and reduce fuel consumption by 18 per cent. Airbus H145 is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E turboshaft engines, which deliver exceptional hot-and-high performance with 1,788 combined shaft horsepower.
