Four years after signing the original contract with the Cypriot government, Airbus completed the delivery of the first two new H145M helicopters on March 25, intended to equip the country’s National Guard. The handover ceremony took place in Nicosia, the capital, and the remaining four units are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025 to further the replacement of its Russian-made Mi-35P attack helicopters.
As part of the transition process from Russian-origin units to Western models—following sanctions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine—the Cypriot Parliamentary Defense Committee approved the release of 53 million euros for the acquisition of six multipurpose H145M helicopters from Airbus Helicopters.
The agreement includes technical support and spare parts for the mentioned amount, as well as the option to purchase an additional batch of six helicopters. However, open sources have confirmed that the total cost, including ammunition, would raise the contract value to 140 million euros, with payments extending until 2026. This acquisition is part of the Cypriot government’s decision to sell its current Russian-made Mi-35P attack helicopters, along with other related equipment, to Serbia.
The addition of these multifunction helicopters will allow Cyprus to join a broad list of H145M operators, including Germany, the United States, Hungary, Luxembourg, Thailand, Ecuador, and Honduras.
Regarding this, Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, stated, “As hybrid warfare is set to play an increasingly important role in future conflicts, armies will seek versatile helicopters capable of performing multiple essential functions.”
According to the company’s official statement, the H145M is equipped with the Airbus HForce weapon system. Additionally, it can be reconfigured for various roles, from light attack missions with axial and guided weapons, and a state-of-the-art self-protection system, to a special operations version featuring fast-rope equipment.
In Michalon’s words, “In this context, the selection of the H145M is particularly fitting, and the Republic of Cyprus joins a growing group of European armies operating the multifunctional H145M for a wide range of missions, including training, special operations, troop transport, and light attack. We are proud to deliver the first two to the Republic of Cyprus and look forward to seeing them in service in the Mediterranean region soon.”
*Images used for illustration purposes.
