The Republic of Armenia has officially entered the Airbus Helicopters ecosystem, finalizing a contract for the delivery of six H145 aircraft. This procurement represents the nation’s first purchase from the European manufacturer and signifies a transition in their rotorcraft fleet strategy.
The agreement was formalized during a state visit by French President Emmanuel Macron to Yerevan. According to Airbus, the five-bladed H145 models will be deployed primarily for multi-purpose transport missions. The aircraft’s performance profile, particularly its efficiency in high-altitude environments, makes it a logical selection for the mountainous terrain of Armenia.
Modernizing the Fleet
The selected H145 configuration features dual Safran Arriel 2E engines, Helionix avionics, and a four-axis autopilot system. These features are designed to minimize pilot workload while maintaining high operational reliability.
Ludovic Boistot, Airbus Helicopters’ vice president for Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, noted that the deal establishes a long-term partnership with Armenian authorities. For operators and industry observers, the move suggests a pivot toward Western-manufactured hardware, potentially opening the door for further collaborative ties between the Armenian government and European aerospace suppliers.