The British Army Air Corps’ 667 Squadron in Brunei has taken delivery of the first two Airbus H145 Jupiter HC Mk2 helicopters, marking a key step in a £148 million Ministry of Defence programme. These aircraft replace the retired Puma HC2 fleet and bolster jungle training capabilities in demanding environments.
The handover, completed in just two years since contract award, equips the squadron for critical missions including medical evacuation, troop transport, external cargo operations, firefighting, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and general aviation support.
Operated from Brunei, the 14-meter-long H145 variants seat up to 10 personnel plus one or two pilots, with a 1,900 kg payload, 130-knot cruise speed, 650 km range, and service ceiling of 6,096 meters.
Three helicopters arrived in the UK in 2025, while the remaining two of the six-aircraft order are slated for deployment by end-2026, including sites in Cyprus. A separate £33.6 million two-year contract ensures initial maintenance for the fleet across both locations.
This rapid delivery enhances operational readiness for the Army Air Corps, addressing gaps left by Puma retirement and supporting sustained training in Southeast Asia’s challenging terrain.