Airbus Helicopters sees robust demand with orders from 205 customers across 50 countries

Marignane (France): Airbus Helicopters reported a strong performance in 2025, logging 544 gross orders and 536 net orders, reflecting continued growth across its civil, parapublic and military helicopter portfolios.

The orders came from 205 customers across 50 countries.

The company delivered 392 helicopters during the year. In terms of unit bookings, Airbus Helicopters secured a 51 per cent market share in the civil and parapublic segment, while its military market share increased to 28 per cent. The company also reported strong momentum in its Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) business.

CEO highlights defence, security and UAS focus

Commenting on the performance, Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said the growth reflected the relevance of its product range in the current operating environment.

“Airbus Helicopters’ outstanding performance in 2025, marked by an order intake increase close to 20 per cent in units, demonstrates that our modern civil and military portfolios are delivering the precise mission capabilities required in today’s complex environment,” he said.

“Our focus on defence and security has never been sharper. Furthermore, we are leading the shift toward UAS by integrating Survey Copter into our core operations, establishing a comprehensive range of tactical drones,” he added.

He further said, “By combining drones with our advanced and unique HTeaming capabilities, we provide a seamless, networked ecosystem for the modern battlespace. I want to thank our customers for their unwavering trust as we continue to pioneer the future of aerospace.”

‘Major sovereign orders drive growth’

The year saw several major sovereign commitments. Spain placed an order for 100 helicopters, including 50 H145Ms, 31 NH90s for all three branches of its armed forces, and initial orders for the H175M.

Germany exercised an option for 20 additional H145Ms, bringing its total order to 82 helicopters, with initial deliveries already completed. The NH90 programme also gained momentum, with the Netherlands adding three helicopters to its fleet, Greece signing a follow-on support contract, and Germany receiving its first NH90 Sea Tiger, configured for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.

Strong demand across weight segments

In the heavy segment, Greece ordered eight H215 helicopters for firefighting missions. The H225M programme expanded with Morocco signing a contract for ten helicopters and the first deliveries were made to Iraq.

The light twin segment also recorded steady demand, with Spain ordering 13 H135 helicopters and the UK National Police Air Service placing an order for seven units. The H145 remained the company’s best-selling model, securing 149 orders across civil, parapublic and military markets.

New platforms and technological developments

Airbus Helicopters introduced the H140, a next-generation light twin-engine helicopter, at VERTICON 2025. The aircraft has secured 61 firm orders. The company also reported progress on its Racer demonstrator, which exceeded its performance targets by achieving a cruise speed of 440 km/h.

In the UAS segment, Airbus integrated Survey Copter into its core offerings and established a tactical drone portfolio.

Contracts were signed with Drone Forge and the European Maritime Safety Agency for the Flexrotor system, while the French Ministry of Armed Forces ordered six VSR700 drones. Through its HTeaming solution, Airbus is advancing crewed-uncrewed teaming capabilities for real-time mission management.

Progress in H160 and H175 Programmes

The H160 programme recorded several milestones in 2025. Its military variant, the H160M “Guépard,” completed its maiden flight in July. The H160 secured around 50 per cent of the civil and parapublic market share in the medium twin segment.

Deliveries included the first law enforcement-configured H160 to the French Gendarmerie Nationale, firefighting variants to Hiroshima City Fire Services Bureau, and an order from the Nagoya City Fire Bureau.

Offshore operations also commenced in the United States with PHI Aviation. The H175 received 15 orders during the year.

Expansion of global industrial footprint

To support growing demand, Airbus Helicopters expanded its industrial base. Construction began in 2025 on a new Final Assembly Line in Vemagal, Karnataka. Scheduled for inauguration in the coming weeks, the facility will become the fourth H125 assembly line globally.

Airbus stated that its full-year financial results for 2025 will be released on February 19.