What Happened
Airbus Completes First H160 Delivery to French Gendarmerie
Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first H160 medium helicopter to France’s Gendarmerie Nationale, marking a significant milestone in the program. The aircraft is part of an order placed in 2021 and features advanced avionics and improved operational efficiency. The delivery was made on behalf of the Ministry of the Interior, with the Gendarmerie Nationale set to operate the aircraft alongside its existing H145 fleet. The H160 is the largest helicopter operated by the Gendarmerie Nationale and is part of a larger package totaling €600 million from the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, aimed at preserving jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aircraft will undergo qualification and operational checks before full deployment. According to Airbus, the H160 will operate alongside the Gendarmerie’s H145 helicopters, which entered service in November 2025 and will replace its aging AS350 helicopters. The H160 is linked to the H160M Guépard military program, which aims to replace several outdated rotorcraft used by the French armed forces. The program has successfully completed its maiden flight, marking the entry of the program into flight testing. The French Ministry of Armed Forces plans to acquire a total of 169 H160Ms to replace five aging helicopter models currently in service. Airbus has positioned the H160 family as a versatile helicopter platform, suitable for various applications including civil transport, offshore operations, public service, and military missions. The Gendarmerie Nationale’s acceptance and operational entry process will extend into 2026, with crews undergoing qualification and the aircraft completing its final checks before full operational deployment. The delivery was first reported by AeroTime.