Romania Orders 12 Airbus H225M Helicopters Under EU SAFE Programme

Romania has signed a contract for 12 Airbus H225M multirole military helicopters under the EU’s SAFE initiative. Announced on October 7, 2026, this marks the country's second agreement with Airbus Helicopters under the European Commission's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) financing instrument. The programme helps member states speed up defence investments and supports the European defence industry.

The purchase is financed under the EU's SAFE programme, which provides financial support for urgent defence investments. The agreement was concluded through France's Directorate General of Armaments (DGA). Neither the total value of the contract nor a delivery timetable was disclosed.

Capabilities and mission role

The 12 H225M helicopters will be configured for attack, reconnaissance, surveillance, and special operations. They will engage ground targets and carry out tactical protection and specialised day and night airborne assault missions.

These aircraft will begin replacing the IAR-330 Puma fleet in the Romanian Air Force. The IAR-330 Puma is a version of the Aerospatiale Puma built locally under license. The H225Ms will be used for both conventional and special operations missions.

Industrial partnership and local involvement

IAR Brașov, Romania's sole helicopter manufacturer, will account for around 15% of the overall joint H225M procurement program. Airbus Helicopters CEO Matthieu Louvot stated the selection would strengthen Romania’s industrial capabilities through the long-term partnership with IAR.

Airbus and IAR have cooperated on helicopters for decades. Their industrial agreement, originally centered on the H215M, was revised in 2025 to include the H225M. Airbus Helicopters runs a customer centre in Romania supporting the country’s Airbus fleets and providing services to export customers.

Broader Airbus presence and fleet status

Airbus has operated in Romania for more than 20 years across its helicopter, defence, and commercial aircraft divisions. Airbus Defence and Space provides secure communications and systems engineering services there, while the commercial aircraft business manufactures parts.

Globally, Airbus states that more than 350 H225 and H225M helicopters are in service. This fleet has accumulated over one million combined flight hours worldwide. The H225M has operated in combat conditions and crisis areas around the world.

Operator expansion and prior orders

With this order, Romania becomes the 13th military operator of the H225M type. Before this, the military variant was operated by 12 other nations.

Romania has previously ordered two H215M helicopters in a naval configuration. It also recently ordered seven H160 and five H145 helicopters for public service missions under the SAFE programme. Matthieu Louvot described the H225M as “a key asset of Europe’s defence.” The 12 H225M helicopters will begin replacing Romania’s IAR-330 Puma fleet in the Romanian Air Force.