Airbus Helicopters secures order from Japan's FDMA

Airbus Helicopters has secured an order from Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) for the H160 multi-role helicopter. This marks the first H160 acquisition for this specific operator.

The aircraft is slated to be stationed in Kumamoto Prefecture on Japan's southern main island. Its primary mission will involve aerial reconnaissance and real-time visual information gathering following natural disasters. This capability is critical for Japan, which frequently faces earthquakes and tsunamis due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire.

The FDMA currently operates a diverse fleet for firefighting, medical evacuation, and humanitarian aid, including various Airbus and Bell models. This new addition follows previous H160 deliveries to the Japanese National Police and fire departments in Nagoya and Hiroshima, reflecting growing interest in the model within the country.