Romania signs 757 million euro contract for 12 Airbus H225M helicopters

Romania has signed a contract to acquire 12 Airbus H225M Caracal multirole helicopters to begin replacing its aging fleet of IAR-330 Puma rotorcraft. The agreement, valued at approximately 757 million euros, includes initial logistics support and crew training.

The procurement was conducted through the French Directorate General of Armament (DGA) under the European Commission’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) programme, which aims to accelerate defense readiness and support the European defense industry. The total approved budget for the SAFE project is 852 million euros.

The new H225M helicopters will be configured for various missions, including ground target engagement, reconnaissance, surveillance, tactical protection, and specialized airborne assault operations for both day and night. The first helicopter is expected to be delivered approximately 38 months after the contract signing.

This acquisition is intended to strengthen Romania’s defense and industrial capabilities through a long-term partnership with IAR, the country’s sole helicopter manufacturer. Romania plans to potentially acquire an additional 30 helicopters after 2030, with the goal of shifting H225M production to IAR facilities in Brașov.