Casablanca – At the Dubai Airshow 2025, Morocco announced a significant step in the modernization of its military aviation fleet by signing a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of ten H225M Caracal helicopters. This acquisition marks a turning point for the Royal Moroccan Air Force, which is retiring its long‑serving Puma SA330 helicopters after more than four decades of service.
A strategic modernization effort
The decision to acquire the H225M reflects Morocco’s broader strategy of upgrading its armed forces with advanced equipment capable of meeting international standards. The Puma helicopters, once emblematic of Morocco’s air mobility, have reached the end of their operational lifespan. Replacing them with the H225M ensures that the Royal Air Force maintains a modern, versatile fleet capable of responding to diverse operational demands.
The H225M is recognized globally as a reliable and high‑performance platform. With more than 360 units of the H225 and H225M family in service worldwide, the model has accumulated nearly one million flight hours. Its proven track record across multiple countries—including France, the Netherlands, Brazil, Mexico, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, and Kuwait—reinforces Morocco’s confidence in its choice.
Technical features and mission capabilities
The Moroccan H225M helicopters will be equipped with advanced systems tailored to combat search‑and‑rescue missions and special operations. Key features include:
- Dual hoists for rapid extraction in challenging environments.
- Safran Euroflir 410 electro‑optical system to enhance detection and targeting capabilities.
- Searchlights for night operations.
- Machine guns for close support during tactical missions.
- Electronic warfare systems to provide self‑protection against hostile threats.
This configuration ensures that the helicopters can perform a wide range of missions, from troop transport and medical evacuation to special operations and logistical support. Their versatility strengthens Morocco’s rapid reaction capacity and enhances its ability to operate in extreme or degraded environments.
Industrial and logistical cooperation
Beyond the delivery of aircraft, the contract includes a comprehensive support package covering maintenance, training, and connected services. This ensures high fleet availability and minimizes downtime, which is critical for missions requiring immediate response.
Airbus has a long‑standing presence in Morocco, dating back to 1951 through Airbus Atlantic, which specializes in composite manufacturing, assembly of complex metallic substructures, and avionics equipment maintenance. In 2024, Airbus Helicopters inaugurated a customer center in Morocco dedicated to supporting the country’s fleet of 60 Airbus helicopters operated by the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Gendarmerie. This center is expected to evolve into a full maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hub, serving as Airbus’s regional platform for West Africa.
The establishment of this infrastructure highlights Airbus’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Morocco and providing long‑term technological and logistical support.
Statements from Airbus helicopters
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, emphasized the importance of the Moroccan order in an official statement:
“We are honored that Morocco has chosen to replace its Puma fleet with the H225M. This is a new step in the partnership we have been building with the Kingdom for decades. The H225M is enjoying strong success in the market and has established itself as a benchmark for complex missions in difficult environments.”
His remarks underline both the commercial success of the H225M and the strategic nature of Morocco’s decision to invest in this platform.
Broader military modernization in Morocco
The acquisition of the H225M is part of a wider modernization program undertaken by Morocco’s armed forces. In recent years, the country has ordered H135 helicopters for pilot training and American AH‑64 Apache combat helicopters. These investments demonstrate Morocco’s intent to diversify its industrial partnerships while strengthening its operational capabilities.
By integrating European and American technologies, Morocco is positioning itself as a regional actor with a modern, interoperable air force. This approach not only enhances national defense but also supports Morocco’s role in international cooperation and peacekeeping missions.
Regional and strategic implications
The arrival of the H225M helicopters represents more than a simple fleet renewal. It is a strategic investment that enhances Morocco’s ability to project power, secure its airspace, and respond rapidly to crises. With vast areas of interest to protect—from coastal regions to remote desert zones—the versatility of the H225M provides Morocco with a valuable tool for safeguarding national security.
Furthermore, the partnership with Airbus strengthens Morocco’s ties with European industry and reinforces its position within a global network of operators using the H225M. This alignment with international standards ensures that Morocco remains integrated into broader defense and security frameworks.
Morocco’s order of ten H225M helicopters from Airbus Helicopters marks a decisive step in the modernization of its armed forces. By replacing the aging Puma fleet with a proven, versatile, and technologically advanced platform, the Royal Moroccan Air Force is enhancing its operational readiness and aligning with global standards.
The contract not only delivers new aircraft but also consolidates a long‑standing partnership between Morocco and Airbus, supported by industrial cooperation and the development of a regional MRO hub. Together, these elements highlight Morocco’s commitment to building a modern, responsive, and internationally connected air force capable of meeting the challenges of the future.
