The Royal Moroccan Air Force is strengthening its helicopter fleet with an order for 10 Airbus H225M helicopters intended for combat search and rescue missions. The acquisition includes support and maintenance services, though Morocco has not released the contract’s financial details or the expected delivery timeline. The new aircraft are set to replace the aging Puma fleet currently in service.
Airbus will configure the helicopters with a double hoist installation, a high-intensity searchlight, and the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system to improve long-range identification and mission awareness. Each H225M will also be fitted with machine-gun mounts and an advanced electronic warfare protection suite, giving crews added defenses during operations in hostile conditions.
Beyond search and rescue duties, the H225M is engineered for a broad mission set including special forces insertion, tactical airlift, and aeromedical evacuation. The helicopter is powered by two Makila 2A1 engines from Safran, enabling a top speed of 324 kilometers per hour and a cruising speed of 262 kilometers per hour. Its ability to launch from naval vessels and operate in all weather—day or night—enhances its deployment flexibility.
The platform boasts a range of 920 kilometers on standard fuel, extendable to 1,253 kilometers with auxiliary tanks. It offers an endurance of 4 hours and 30 minutes and has seating for up to 31 personnel. With a maximum takeoff weight of 11,000 kilograms—and 11,200 kilograms when carrying an external load—the H225M provides Morocco with a durable and versatile capability boost.
