Greece Orders Airbus H215 Helicopters for Wildfire Response

Greece Strengthens Wildfire Response with Order of Eight Airbus H215 Helicopters

In a decisive move to bolster its civil protection capabilities, Greece has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the procurement of eight H215 helicopters, with an option for two more. This acquisition, announced on May 2, 2025, is a pivotal component of the Hellenic Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection’s Aegis Programme—an initiative designed to modernize the nation’s disaster response infrastructure.

As climate change continues to escalate the frequency and severity of wildfires across Southern Europe, Greece finds itself at the frontline. In 2023 alone, over 174,000 hectares of land were scorched by more than 7,000 wildfires, according to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS). The addition of the H215 helicopters represents a strategic investment in aerial firefighting and emergency response capabilities, ensuring quicker, more efficient interventions in crisis scenarios.

The deal also underscores Airbus Helicopters’ growing influence in the European civil protection market, where demand for multi-role aircraft is surging in response to climate-related disasters. This order is not only a reinforcement of Greece’s internal resilience but also a step toward greater regional cooperation under EU disaster response frameworks.

The H215 Helicopter: A Multi-Role Powerhouse

Capabilities and Technical Specifications

The Airbus H215 is a twin-engine, medium-weight helicopter and a modern evolution of the AS332 Super Puma. Designed for versatility, it is capable of executing a wide range of missions including search and rescue (SAR), firefighting, cargo transport, and medical evacuation. With a maximum external load capacity of 4.5 tons and the ability to carry up to 19 passengers, the H215 is engineered for high performance in demanding environments.

One of the standout features of the H215 is its water-bombing capacity. Equipped with a belly tank or external bucket, the aircraft can drop more than 4 tonnes of water in a single sortie—an invaluable asset for combating large-scale wildfires. Its advanced avionics suite and autopilot system enhance both safety and precision during complex operations, particularly in Greece’s rugged terrain and maritime zones.

These helicopters will be deployed under a Government-Owned Contractor-Operated (GO-CO) model, with operational support from experienced firefighting operators Airtelis and SAF Hélicoptères. This model ensures that the aircraft are maintained and operated by seasoned professionals, maximizing uptime and mission readiness.

“The H215 is used around the world for firefighting missions with its ability to drop more than four tonnes of water at a time.” — Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters

Deployment Strategy and Intended Use

The new fleet will be integrated into Greece’s broader civil protection framework, with a focus on wildfire suppression during the critical summer months. Deployment is expected in high-risk regions such as Attica, the Peloponnese, and the islands, where wildfires often threaten both natural landscapes and human settlements.

Beyond firefighting, the H215s will also support humanitarian missions, including flood response, search and rescue, and medical evacuations. This multi-role flexibility ensures year-round utility and aligns with the Ministry’s goal of building a resilient, responsive emergency services fleet.

Importantly, these helicopters will also serve as assets under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, allowing Greece to contribute to and benefit from cross-border emergency response operations. This regional interoperability is a core component of the Aegis Programme’s strategic vision.

Financial and Policy Implications

While the exact cost of the contract has not been disclosed, industry estimates place the per-unit price of an H215 between €15–20 million depending on configuration. This suggests a total deal value ranging from €120 to €160 million if all options are exercised.

The acquisition is co-financed by two European funds, reflecting the EU’s commitment to strengthening member states’ disaster resilience. It also marks the largest procurement under Greece’s Aegis Programme to date, signaling a shift toward long-term investment in modern civil protection infrastructure.

Panagiotis Stampoulidis, Deputy CEO of Growthfund, emphasized the significance of the project: “This is the largest contract signed under the ‘Aegis’ National Programme to bolster the Civil Protection mechanism in Greece with modern equipment.”

Industry Context and Strategic Implications

Global Trends in Aerial Firefighting

The global market for civil helicopters is expanding, driven by rising climate-related emergencies. A 2024 report by Market Research Future projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% for the civil helicopter market through 2030, with a strong emphasis on multi-role platforms like the H215.

Countries such as Spain and Chile have also recently invested in the H215 for similar civil protection missions, indicating a broader trend toward standardized, reliable platforms that can operate in extreme conditions. Airbus’s growing order book in this segment reflects its strong positioning and the increasing prioritization of aerial assets in disaster management strategies.

With more nations experiencing record-breaking wildfire seasons, the demand for helicopters capable of rapid deployment, heavy-lift operations, and high endurance is expected to rise. This positions the H215 as a key asset in the evolving landscape of civil protection aviation.

Regional Cooperation and EU Integration

Greece’s investment in the H215 fleet also enhances its capacity to contribute to EU-wide disaster response initiatives. Under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, member states are encouraged to pool resources for joint operations, especially during transboundary crises such as wildfires and floods.

With these new helicopters, Greece can offer aerial support to neighboring countries, strengthening regional solidarity and operational efficiency. This aligns with EU policy objectives focused on collective resilience and shared responsibility in the face of climate emergencies.

Furthermore, the GO-CO model employed in this contract mirrors successful frameworks in other European countries, such as France’s Sécurité Civile. This approach ensures high operational standards while leveraging private sector expertise for public benefit.

Competitive Landscape and Market Positioning

Airbus Helicopters faces competition from other manufacturers like Leonardo (AW139) and Sikorsky (S-70 Firehawk) in the civil protection segment. However, the H215’s proven track record in Europe, combined with Airbus’s longstanding relationship with the Hellenic authorities, gives it a strategic edge.

According to aviation analyst Maria Kostas of FlightGlobal, “This order is a strategic move for Greece, given the H215’s proven track record in firefighting and SAR missions. It also signals Airbus’s continued dominance in the European civil helicopter market amidst growing climate challenges.”

The H215’s blend of performance, reliability, and mission versatility makes it a compelling choice for governments seeking to modernize their aerial response capabilities without compromising on cost-effectiveness or interoperability.

Conclusion

The procurement of eight Airbus H215 helicopters marks a significant milestone in Greece’s ongoing efforts to enhance its civil protection capabilities. As climate change intensifies the frequency and severity of natural disasters, investments in aerial firefighting and emergency response infrastructure are no longer optional—they are essential.

This deal not only strengthens Greece’s internal resilience but also positions the country as a key contributor to regional and EU-wide disaster response initiatives. With its advanced capabilities and proven reliability, the H215 is poised to become a cornerstone of Greece’s strategy to safeguard its people, landscapes, and critical infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the Airbus H215 used for?
The H215 is a multi-role helicopter used for firefighting, search and rescue, cargo transport, and medical evacuation missions.

How many H215 helicopters did Greece order?
Greece ordered eight H215 helicopters, with an option for two additional units.

Where will these helicopters be deployed?
They will primarily be deployed in wildfire-prone areas across Greece, including Attica, the Peloponnese, and various islands.

What is the GO-CO model?
GO-CO stands for Government-Owned Contractor-Operated. It means the government owns the helicopters, but experienced contractors handle operations and maintenance.

How does this order align with EU policies?
The acquisition supports the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism by enhancing Greece’s capacity to participate in regional disaster response efforts.

Sources: AviTrader, EFFIS, Market Research Future