Defense Forces’ Helicopter Fleet Now Complete

The last two Airbus H225M helicopters have arrived, completing the Hungarian Defense Forces’ medium-class, multi-role helicopter fleet, said the Minister of Defense on Tuesday in Szolnok (central Hungary), at the Hungarian Defense Forces’ Kiss József 86th Helicopter Brigade.

Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky said that these are not only modern, reliable, and versatile helicopters, but also a complex system that fundamentally changes the Hungarian Defense Forces’ responsiveness, mobility, and ability to integrate into international operations. He added that as part of the military development program, not only the air force but the entire equipment system of the Hungarian Defense Forces will be replaced.

The now complete fleet of sixteen aircraft represents a qualitative leap in the operational capabilities of the defense forces,

he noted.

The ten medium tactical transport helicopters enable a whole new level of mobility, whether it be the rapid and safe delivery of troops, equipment, or supplies, he said. In addition, the fleet includes six special operations aircraft. These are equipped with a weapons package called HForce, developed for the Hungarian Air Force. The last two of these have now arrived, he explained.

The part of the fleet already in service has proven itself, he said, citing the raging forest fires in North Macedonia last August, where the Hungarian Defense Forces provided rapid and effective assistance, as an example.

In his words, the aircraft and technology are very important, but people are even more important. He emphasized that the Hungarian Defense Forces, and the Air Force in particular, pay special attention to proper training and selection.

The Minister thanked Airbus for its excellent work and the 86th Helicopter Brigade for its high-quality service. The completed fleet “increases the strength of the Hungarian Defense Forces, thereby serving the security of Hungary and the Hungarian people,” said Szalay-Bobrovniczky.

Dennis Bernitz, Head of Western Europe Sales at Airbus Helicopters, told the public media that

Hungary has the most modern helicopter fleet in Europe.

Lieutenant General Gábor Böröndi, Chief of the Hungarian Defense Staff, told the public media that the development of helicopter capabilities was completed today, and now it is only necessary to operate them, strengthen training, and be ready for tasks. For instance, to provide security for special operations teams, transport, and disaster relief tasks. He added that older pilots have been retrained and there are many young pilots alongside them.

The event included both dynamic and static demonstrations.

H225M helicopters have a maximum take-off weight of 11 tons. The helicopters have a total length of 19.5 meters and a total height of 4.97 meters.

Their maximum speed is 324 kilometers per hour, and cruising speed is 262 kilometers per hour.

H225M helicopters are in service in 12 countries, including Hungary, Brazil, France, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Kuwait, Singapore, Thailand, Ukraine, and the Netherlands.

The ten medium transport helicopters are suitable for troop and cargo transport. In addition, they are capable of external cargo transport and firefighting, even at night, using night vision equipment. The six special operations aircraft are equipped with an HForce weapon package. The package includes a 20 mm machine gun and a 70 mm rocket pod. Guided anti-tank missiles will also be available in the future. In addition, the model is equipped with a complex navigation system, a multifunctional load handling system, a winch, and quick-release elements.

Via MTI, Featured image: MTI/Hegedüs Róbert