Romania has signed a contract for 12 Airbus H225M Caracal multirole military helicopters under the European Commission’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) financing instrument. Concluded with France’s Directorate General of Armaments, the agreement launches the replacement of Romania’s ageing IAR-330 Puma fleet and will support conventional and special-operations missions.
The Romanian Air Force operates 57 locally built IAR-330 Pumas, while the Romanian Navy operates three additional examples and two H215M Super Pumas. The new helicopters are intended for missions including ground attack, reconnaissance, surveillance, tactical protection and specialised airborne assault operations in day and night conditions.
Romania authorised the procurement in July. The approved programme was reported at approximately €852 million, including about €757 million for Airbus, although the contract value was not disclosed in the manufacturer’s announcement. Delivery timing has also not been specified.
The agreement is Romania’s second helicopter contract with Airbus under SAFE, following an order for seven H160s and five H145s for public-service missions. Airbus’s existing industrial relationship with Romanian manufacturer IAR could support local participation as the country begins modernising its combat and support helicopter fleet.