ROMANIA SELECTS AIRBUS H160 AND H145 HELICOPTERS

Order supports national emergency and security capabilities

The Romanian Ministry of Internal Affairs has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of 12 multirole helicopters, comprising seven H160s and five H145s, as part of efforts to modernise the country’s emergency response and public safety capabilities.

Announced in Berlin on 10 June 2026, the procurement forms part of the European Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, which seeks to strengthen civil protection, emergency response and public safety frameworks across Europe.

The aircraft will be operated by Romania’s General Inspectorate of Aviation under the coordination of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU).

H160 AND H145 ASSIGNED TO SPECIALISED MISSIONS

Fleet will support rescue, disaster relief and security operations

Under the programme, four H160 helicopters will be dedicated to civil protection and disaster relief missions, while three will be used for public order, aerial surveillance and tactical security operations.

The five H145 helicopters will be assigned to Romania’s emergency rescue service, SMURD, and mountain rescue operations. The aircraft will support rapid emergency medical interventions, medical evacuations and search-and-rescue missions.

Matthieu Louvot, Chief Executive Officer of Airbus Helicopters, said the dual-platform acquisition demonstrated the ability of the company’s product range to provide an integrated response to a wide range of operational requirements.

He noted that the investment would enhance Romania’s emergency preparedness and contribute to broader European rescue and security mechanisms.

AIRBUS MAINTAINS LONG-TERM PRESENCE IN ROMANIA

More than two decades of industrial activity

Airbus has maintained operations in Romania for more than 20 years through its helicopter, defence and space businesses.

The company’s activities in the country include helicopter support services, secure communications and systems engineering, as well as the manufacture of components for Airbus commercial aircraft programmes.

ADVANCED HELICOPTERS FOR PUBLIC SERVICE MISSIONS

The H145 remains one of Airbus Helicopters’ most widely used light twin-engine platforms, with more than 1,800 aircraft in service worldwide and over 8.5 million accumulated flight hours.

Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145 features Airbus’ Helionix avionics suite and a four-axis autopilot system designed to enhance safety and reduce pilot workload. Airbus states that the H145 also has one of the lowest acoustic footprints and carbon emissions levels in its class.

The larger H160 has been designed for demanding multirole missions and incorporates the Helionix avionics system, advanced flight controls and enhanced situational awareness features. Airbus says its Blue Edge rotor blades and canted Fenestron tail rotor significantly reduce perceived noise levels, while Safran Arrano engines contribute to lower fuel consumption.

The new fleet is expected to play a key role in Romania’s integrated emergency management, civil protection and public safety operations in the years ahead.