Morocco has taken a new step in modernizing its air capabilities, as Airbus Helicopters announced on Tuesday that the Kingdom has signed a contract to acquire ten new H225M helicopters. The deal comes as part of a broader plan to replace the long-serving Puma fleet, which has been in operation within the Royal Moroccan Air Force for more than four decades.
In a statement published on its official website, Airbus said the new helicopters will be specially configured for combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions and will be operated by the Royal Moroccan Air Force. The acquisition, the company noted, represents a “significant leap” in Morocco’s ability to carry out complex missions in challenging environments.
The statement quoted Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, who expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, noting that the H225M has become a global reference for special operations and high-sensitivity missions. He added that the deal reflects the “strategic relationship” that has linked Morocco to the company for decades.
According to Airbus, the helicopters will be equipped with advanced systems, including dual hoists, a searchlight, the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system, and the capability to carry machine guns and electronic warfare self-protection suites—enhancing the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s readiness for rapid intervention across different operational scenarios.
The contract also includes a support and operational services package, aligning with Airbus’s growing presence in Morocco. This follows the company’s 2024 announcement of a customer support center in the Kingdom, expected to evolve into a regional MRO hub (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) serving helicopter fleets across West Africa.
This new deal falls within Morocco’s broader strategy over the past decade to modernize its military assets, acquiring cutting-edge equipment that responds to global developments in defense technologies.
Parallel to these acquisitions, the Kingdom is pushing forward with the creation of a local defense industry, attracting major international investors from countries including India, the United States, and Israel.
In this context, India’s Tata recently inaugurated a plant in Berrechid dedicated to producing military vehicles, while Israel’s BlueBird announced the opening of a facility in Benslimane to manufacture Spy-X loitering munitions—steps that reinforce Morocco’s ambition to build a fully integrated defense industrial base.
