Aviation News – 24 July 2025 – Airbus Helicopters has officially launched the flight test campaign for the H160M “Guépard,” the militarized variant of its H160 helicopter. Developed under France’s Joint Light Helicopter (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger – HIL) programme, the H160M is intended to serve across all three branches of the French Armed Forces: the Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force.
The inaugural flight of the H160M took place at Airbus Helicopters’ headquarters in France, with flight test pilot Samuel Chartier at the controls. He was supported by test engineers Nicolas Certain, Laurent Maruejols, and Alban Corpron. The occasion was marked by an official ceremony highlighting the programme’s progress.
France has committed to procuring 169 H160M helicopters, which will replace five different types of helicopters that are either currently operational or recently retired from the military fleet.
Based on the civilian H160 platform, which has been in active service for over three years, the H160M has been heavily modified to meet military needs. Airbus has introduced advanced capabilities, positioning the Guépard as one of the most modern military rotorcraft available today.
To accelerate development, Airbus is building three H160M prototypes. The first prototype—now flying—will primarily be used for flight performance validation and weapons testing, scheduled to begin in 2026. A second prototype is in final assembly and will be used for extreme climate testing, among other evaluations.
“The launch of this flight test campaign is a key step forward for the H160M programme,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “Feedback from the French Navy’s six H160s already in service has been excellent. These aircraft have proven themselves with high availability and reliability rates during over two years of maritime search and rescue missions. The H160M is engineered for future combat operations—agile, connected, modular, and armed with state-of-the-art systems.”
The H160M is a 6-tonne class helicopter, powered by Safran’s Arrano engines. It incorporates 68 patented technologies designed to improve safety, fuel efficiency, environmental impact, and reduce maintenance and operating costs compared to older models.
The Guépard is fitted with Thales’ FlytX digital avionics suite and a bespoke mission system developed by Airbus, enabling crews to operate effectively in degraded environments with enhanced situational awareness. It also features advanced communications systems for seamless integration into joint land, sea, and air operations.
In a first for Airbus Helicopters, the H160M comes pre-equipped for manned-unmanned teaming, allowing operational coordination with drones. It is also equipped with cutting-edge sensor suites such as Safran’s Euroflir 410 electro-optical system and Thales’ AirMaster C radar, along with a comprehensive self-protection system capable of detecting and countering threats across the electromagnetic and optical spectrum.
For firepower, the H160M supports the HForce modular weapon system, which enables the helicopter to carry a broad range of armaments. These include 12.7 mm pod-mounted machine guns, guided rockets, and 7.62 mm machine guns, either pintle-mounted or fitted to a precision shooter’s articulated arm.
Deliveries to the French Armed Forces are expected to begin by late 2028, with Airbus committed to a 10-year support and maintenance agreement to ensure operational readiness of the fleet.
Photo Rob Vogelaar
