Morocco orders 10 Airbus H225M helicopters to replace ageing Puma fleet

Morocco has signed a contract for ten Airbus H225M helicopters, marking a major modernisation step for the Royal Moroccan Air Force and replacing its more than 40-year-old Puma fleet. The deal was confirmed on 18 November at the Dubai Airshow 2025.

The new H225Ms will be configured for combat search and rescue (CSAR) and specialised missions, reflecting Morocco’s growing focus on high-intensity operational readiness. Each aircraft will feature a double hoist system, searchlight, Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical suite, and provisions for machine guns as well as an electronic warfare self-protection system.

Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even welcomed the order, calling it “another step” in the long-standing partnership between Airbus and the Kingdom of Morocco. “This order solidifies the H225M’s reputation as the helicopter of choice for combat search and rescue and special operations across the world,” he said.

The agreement also includes a support and service package, with connected maintenance services to ensure long-term availability.

The H225M—part of the Super Puma family—has logged nearly one million flight hours globally, with operators ranging from France and the Netherlands to Brazil, Thailand, and Iraq.

Airbus’s footprint in Morocco continues to grow. The company has been present in the country since 1951 and last year established a dedicated Airbus Helicopters customer centre, supporting the 60 Airbus military helicopters currently operated by Moroccan defence and security forces. That facility is expected to expand into a full regional MRO hub for West Africa, strengthening Morocco’s standing as a key aerospace partner on the continent.