Defense & Military
France’s H160M Guépard Military Helicopter Completes First Flight
The H160M Guépard made its maiden flight, marking a milestone in France’s military helicopter modernization with advanced modular design.
France’s defense modernization efforts took a significant leap forward with the maiden flight of the H160M Guépard, a next-generation Military-Aircraft Helicopters developed by Airbus Helicopters. Conducted on July 17, 2025, at the Marignane facility, this inaugural flight marks the beginning of a comprehensive testing campaign for a helicopter designed to unify and upgrade the rotary-wing capabilities of the French Armed Forces.
As part of the Joint Light Helicopter (Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger, HIL) program, the H160M Guépard is set to replace five aging helicopter types currently in service with the Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force. With 169 units ordered and Deliveries scheduled to begin in 2028, the Guépard embodies a strategic pivot toward modular, interoperable, and technologically advanced air platforms. This article explores the helicopter’s developmental background, technical specifications, testing milestones, and its broader implications for France and the global defense market.
The H160M Guépard is derived from the H160, a civilian helicopter platform unveiled by Airbus Helicopters in 2015 after years of development under the codename “X4.” The H160 was designed to set new standards in aerodynamics, noise reduction, and fuel efficiency. After receiving its Certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in July 2020, the civilian model became a strong candidate for military adaptation due to its advanced design and performance characteristics.
Airbus invested approximately €1 billion in the H160’s development, focusing on a lightweight composite airframe and a five-bladed rotor system that reduced vibration and noise. These features provided a strong foundation for military adaptation, leading to the H160M variant tailored to operational demands of the armed forces.
The civil-to-military transition was part of a broader strategic vision by Airbus to standardize platforms across both markets, thereby reducing production costs and enhancing maintainability. The H160’s success in the civilian market played a crucial role in its selection for the HIL program.
Launched by the French Ministry of Armed Forces, the HIL program aims to streamline the country’s rotary-wing fleet by replacing five helicopter types, Alouette III, Gazelle, Dauphin, Panther, and Fennec, with a single multi-role platform. The decision to use the H160 as the base for the military variant was finalized in 2017, and the H160M was officially named “Guépard” in 2019.
The program is managed by the Direction générale de l’armement (DGA), France’s defense procurement agency. In December 2021, a contract was signed for an initial batch of 30 helicopters, eventually scaling to 169 units across all service branches. The total estimated cost of the program is €9 billion.
This unification strategy is expected to enhance operational readiness, reduce training and maintenance complexity, and improve lifecycle costs. The HIL program is viewed as a cornerstone of France’s military modernization agenda through 2030. The DGA’s contract with Airbus Helicopters outlines a phased delivery schedule, with the French Army receiving the first units in 2028, followed by the Navy in 2030 and the Air and Space Force in 2032. Three prototypes are currently being developed to support the flight test campaign and validation process.
These milestones are aligned with France’s Military Programming Law for 2024–2030, which prioritizes the replacement of outdated rotary-wing platforms. The H160M is expected to play a critical role in supporting joint operations, both domestically and in overseas deployments.
Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even has emphasized the importance of the program as a model for future European defense collaboration and industrial integration.
The H160M features a composite airframe that is 15% lighter than traditional metal constructions, improving both fuel efficiency and payload capacity. Its rotor system includes the signature Blue Edge five-bladed main rotor, which reduces acoustic signature and enhances lift.
The helicopter’s canted fenestron tail rotor provides improved stability and maneuverability, especially during low-speed operations and shipboard landings. The fixed tricycle landing gear is reinforced for maritime use, including compatibility with deck-landing systems.
Powered by twin Safran Arrano 1A turboshaft engines, each delivering 1,280 shp, the H160M achieves a cruise speed of approximately 255 km/h and a maximum range of 880 km. These performance metrics make it suitable for a wide range of missions, from tactical transport to maritime patrol.
The Guépard is equipped with Thales’ FlytX avionics suite, which includes touchscreen displays, intuitive human-machine interfaces, and AI-assisted threat detection. These features are designed to reduce pilot workload and enhance situational awareness.
For surveillance and targeting, the helicopter integrates the Thales AirMaster C radar and Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system. These sensors enable long-range detection and identification in all weather conditions, including low-visibility environments. The platform is also designed for interoperability with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), allowing for real-time data sharing and coordinated operations. This capability is particularly valuable for reconnaissance and target acquisition missions.
The H160M’s modular design allows for rapid reconfiguration based on mission requirements. It can be outfitted with MBDA Sea Venom anti-ship missiles, FN Herstal 12.7mm machine guns, and guided rockets for offensive operations.
For troop transport, the cabin can accommodate up to 10 fully equipped soldiers or two medical stretchers. Maritime configurations include a winch, cargo hook, and fast-rope systems for naval boarding and search-and-rescue missions.
This flexibility enables the H160M to fulfill a wide range of roles, from special operations and combat search-and-rescue (CSAR) to anti-submarine warfare and humanitarian assistance.
“The Guépard is a game-changer for French military aviation, combining agility, modularity, and digital connectivity into one platform.”, Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters
The first flight of the H160M took place on July 17, 2025, at Airbus Helicopters’ Marignane facility. The 50-minute flight tested basic handling, engine performance, and avionics systems. It was followed by additional flights on July 22 and July 24, each progressively expanding the flight envelope.
The flight crew included test pilot Samuel Chartier and engineers Nicolas Certain, Laurent Maruejols, and Alban Corpron. According to Airbus, the aircraft demonstrated “exceptional agility and connectivity,” validating its design and systems integration.
These early flights mark the beginning of a multi-year test campaign that will include live-fire exercises, environmental testing, and naval compatibility trials.
Three prototypes are being developed to support the test campaign. The first prototype focuses on flight mechanics and armament integration, including missile firing tests scheduled for 2026. The second prototype will undergo environmental trials in extreme hot and cold conditions. The third prototype will be configured for naval and air force operations, featuring radar systems, deck-landing aids, and refueling capabilities. These prototypes will validate the helicopter’s performance across all intended mission profiles.
The DGA has emphasized the importance of testing the helicopter’s resilience in GPS-denied and electronically contested environments, a growing concern in modern warfare.
The next phases of testing will focus on mission-specific capabilities, including weapons deployment, sensor integration, and interoperability with other platforms. These tests are critical for ensuring the helicopter meets the diverse operational needs of all service branches.
By 2027, the program aims to complete all major testing milestones, paving the way for the first production deliveries in 2028. Airbus and the DGA are collaborating closely to ensure that the program remains on schedule and within budget.
Industry observers are watching the test campaign closely, as its success could influence procurement decisions in other countries considering similar modernization efforts.
The H160M Guépard represents a significant milestone in France’s defense modernization strategy. Its maiden flight marks the beginning of a new era in rotary-wing aviation, characterized by modularity, advanced avionics, and multi-domain interoperability. The helicopter’s development reflects a broader shift toward unified platforms that can perform a wide range of missions with reduced logistical complexity.
As testing progresses and deliveries begin, the Guépard is poised to become a cornerstone of French military aviation. Its export potential, industrial partnerships, and technological innovations position it as a competitive offering in the global defense market, one that could shape the future of military helicopter design and deployment.
Question: What is the H160M Guépard? Answer: The H160M Guépard is a military helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters for the French Armed Forces, based on the civilian H160 platform.
Question: When did the H160M make its first flight?
Answer: The first flight occurred on July 17, 2025, at the Airbus Helicopters facility in Marignane, France.
Question: What is the purpose of the HIL program?
Answer: The Joint Light Helicopter (HIL) program aims to replace five legacy helicopter types in the French military with a single, modular platform.
France’s Next-Generation Military Helicopter: The H160M Guépard’s First Flight and Strategic Implications
Historical Development and Program Genesis
Origins of the H160 Civil Helicopter
The Joint Light Helicopter (HIL) Program
Contractual Milestones
Technical Specifications and Design Innovations
Airframe and Rotor System
Avionics and Mission Systems
Armament and Modular Capabilities
First Flight and Test Campaign
Maiden Flight Details
Prototype Development and Testing Strategy
Upcoming Test Phases
Conclusion
FAQ
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus