Airbus Helicopters recorded a robust performance in 2025, securing 544 gross orders (536 net) from 205 customers across 50 countries, underlining continued growth across its civil, parapublic and military portfolios.
The manufacturer delivered 392 helicopters during the year and captured a 51% share of the global civil and parapublic market, while its military market share rose to 28%. Order intake in unit terms increased by nearly 20% year-on-year, reflecting strong demand across all weight categories.
Bruno Even, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Helicopters, said the results demonstrated the strength and relevance of the company’s product range in an increasingly complex operating environment.
“Airbus Helicopters’ outstanding performance in 2025 demonstrates that our modern civil and military portfolios are delivering the precise mission capabilities required today,” said Even. “Our focus on defence and security has never been sharper, and we are also leading the shift towards uncrewed aerial systems by integrating Survey Copter into our core operations.”
Defence orders drive momentum
The year was marked by several major sovereign commitments. Spain placed a landmark order for 100 helicopters, comprising 50 H145Ms, 31 NH90s for all three branches of its armed forces, and the first orders for the H175M.
Germany continued its fleet modernisation by exercising an option for 20 additional H145Ms, bringing its total order to 82 aircraft, with initial deliveries already completed. Momentum also returned to the NH90 programme, with the Netherlands adding three helicopters, Greece signing a follow-on support contract, and Germany taking delivery of its first NH90 Sea Tiger, the latest variant optimised for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions.
In the heavy segment, the Super Puma family saw renewed demand, with Greece ordering eight H215s for aerial firefighting. The H225M reached new milestones through a contract with Morocco for ten aircraft, alongside first deliveries to Iraq.
Strong demand across civil and parapublic markets
Airbus Helicopters also reported solid performance in the light and medium twin sectors. Spain ordered 13 H135 helicopters, while the UK National Police Air Service placed an order for seven H135s. With 149 orders, the H145once again emerged as the company’s best-selling platform across civil, parapublic and military markets.
The H160 programme continued to mature, securing around 50% market share in the civil and parapublic medium twin segment. The aircraft entered new mission profiles, including law enforcement and firefighting, with deliveries to the French Gendarmerie Nationale and Japanese fire services. Offshore energy operations also began in the United States with PHI Aviation.
Meanwhile, the H175 received 15 orders during the year, reinforcing its position in the super-medium category.
New platforms and uncrewed systems take centre stage
At VERTICON 2025, Airbus unveiled the H140, a next-generation light twin-engine helicopter incorporating new design features such as a T-tail configuration. The aircraft has already secured 61 firm orders.
Innovation was further highlighted by the Racer demonstrator, which exceeded its original performance targets by achieving a cruise speed of 440 km/h (240 kt).
Airbus also strengthened its position in the uncrewed domain by integrating Survey Copter into its core portfolio, creating a comprehensive tactical drone offering. Contracts were signed for Flexrotor with Drone Forge and the European Maritime Safety Agency, while the French Ministry of Armed Forces ordered six VSR700 systems. Through its HTeaming capability, Airbus is advancing crewed-uncrewed teaming, allowing real-time control of uncrewed assets from crewed platforms.
Expanding global industrial capacity
To support growing demand, Airbus Helicopters continued to expand its industrial footprint. Construction began in 2025 on a new H125 Final Assembly Line in Vemagal, Karnataka, India. Due to be inaugurated in the coming weeks, the facility will become the company’s fourth H125 FAL worldwide, strengthening both its commitment to the Indian market and the resilience of its global supply chain.
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