Dubai Air Show 2025: Morocco orders H225M helicopters

Seen at the Marignane production facility in French Air and Space Force livery, the H225M will now replace its Puma predecessor in Moroccan service. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

The Kingdom of Morocco has contracted Airbus Helicopters to deliver 10 H225M medium-lift helicopters, the manufacturer announced at the Dubai Airshow 2025.

The twin-engined helicopters will be fielded by the Royal Moroccan Air Force (Forces Royales Air: FRA) for search-and-rescue (SAR) operations, replacing 24 Airbus SA 330L Pumas that have been in service for 50 years.

As noted in the announcement on 18 November, the FRA H225Ms will be equipped with a double hoist installation, a searchlight, and a Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system. They will be able to carry machine guns and an electronic warfare system for self-protection.

Speaking to Janes and other defence media at Airbus Helicopters' Marignane production facility in southern France, the head of the Super Puma programme, Michel Macia, said in October that for the overwater SAR role the H225M has a big advantage over some of its competitors in that it is equipped with flotation devices should it have to ditch into the sea, is stable in forward flight and in hover with its autopilot (it also features an auto recover feature, where the pilot can automatically righten the aircraft with the push of a button should it become disoriented), and also has a large cabin and extended range capability.

The Moroccan contract with Airbus Helicopters also includes a support and service package with connected services. Airbus Helicopters did not disclose a contract value or delivery timeline.

For more information on the H225M, please see Iraq receives first H225M helicopters .