The Romanian Parliament has approved the acquisition of 12 H225M Caracal multi-role helicopters from Airbus Helicopters, in a contract valued at €852 million, or about US$1 billion.
The decision marks a new step in the modernization process of the Romanian Armed Forces and aims to partially replace the ageing Puma helicopter fleet, made up of 57 aircraft built under licence in the 1970s by the Romanian state-owned company Industria Aeronautică Română.
The new H225M Caracal helicopters will be financed through the European Union’s SAFE programme, with the participation of the French defence procurement agency. The measure strengthens European industrial and military cooperation at a time of rising defence investment across the continent.
The contract also includes an option to purchase up to 30 additional helicopters after 2030. This potential order could involve H225M and H215M variants, financed directly from Romania’s national budget, in a package estimated at around €2 billion.
Replacing an ageing fleet
The Puma fleet still in operation in Romania is considered one of the oldest platforms in the country’s air inventory. Although it has played an important role for decades in transport, support and military operations, its age has made replacement a priority within Bucharest’s modernization plans.
The H225M Caracal is a medium-sized multi-role helicopter used for tactical transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation and support for military operations. The choice of the Airbus aircraft expands the model’s presence in European countries and reinforces interoperability with NATO partners.
Romania also approves radar purchase
In addition to the helicopters, the Romanian Parliament approved the acquisition of 12 air surveillance radars, at an estimated cost of €258 million. Although the model has not been officially confirmed, specialist media reports indicate that the systems may be Thales GM200 radars.
The radar purchase comes alongside Romania’s efforts to strengthen its air defence, especially given the security environment on Europe’s eastern flank. The NATO member country has expanded investments in armoured vehicles, air defence systems, military vehicles and aerial platforms.
According to The Defense Post, the approvals are part of a broader military package valued at €8.3 billion, aimed at renewing different capabilities of the Romanian Armed Forces.
Source and images: The Defense Post and Airbus. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
