Morocco will strengthen its combat search and rescue operations with the purchase of ten Airbus H225M helicopters, announced at the Dubai Air Show.
The new models, equipped with Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical sensors, electronic warfare systems, and hardpoints for defensive armament, will progressively replace the older Puma fleet, which has been in service for more than four decades. The acquisition accompanies the global expansion of the H225/H225M family, which has already accumulated nearly 1 million flight hours.
Although they do not offer a direct replacement for the 24 Pumas currently listed in the Royal Moroccan Air Force, the arrival of more modern aircraft with higher availability may compensate for the numerical difference. The country is also investing in expanding its aviation infrastructure: in 2024, Airbus announced the creation of a maintenance center in Moroccan territory, with the potential to become a regional MRO hub for West Africa.
The order comes at a time of growing tension between Morocco and Algeria, which severed diplomatic relations in 2021. While Algeria strengthens its military ties with Russia and operates advanced fighters such as the Su-30 and Su-35, Morocco is betting on modernizing its F-16 fleet and its strategic partnership with the United States.
Analysts see the situation as a potential flashpoint in North Africa, driven by regional rivalries and territorial disputes in Western Sahara.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @KOMARMIES | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Morocco orders ten Airbus H225M helicopters
Read the press release: https://t.co/ryhsG9McO4 pic.twitter.com/6kCAMGQGg3— Airbus Newsroom (@AirbusPRESS) November 18, 2025
