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
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace Secures $1.4B Navy Contract for CH-53K Helicopter Engines
GE Aerospace awarded $1.42B Navy contract to produce 277 T408 engines for CH-53K King Stallion helicopters, with production through 2032 in Massachusetts.
The U.S. Navy has awarded GE Aerospace a significant contract modification valued at approximately $1.42 billion to produce engines for the Marine Corps’ CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift Helicopters fleet. As reported by ClearanceJobs, this award solidifies the production pipeline for the T408 turboshaft engine, a critical component of the military’s most powerful helicopter program.
The deal, announced by the Department of Defense on January 8, 2026, represents a major commitment to the long-term stability of the CH-53K program. It covers the production of 277 T408-GE-400 engines, ensuring that the Marine Corps has the Propulsion systems necessary as the aircraft prepares for its first operational deployment later this year.
According to official contract data released by the Pentagon, the work will be performed exclusively at GE Aerospace’s facility in Lynn, Massachusetts, with completion expected by September 2032. This multi-year agreement underscores the strategic importance of the King Stallion in future expeditionary operations.
This modification (P00003) attaches to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N0001924C0019). It definitizes production for Lots 9 and 10 while adding scope for Lots 11, 12, and 13. In defense procurement, securing five consecutive production lots signals a move toward “Full-Rate Production,” moving the program past its initial low-rate Manufacturing phases.
The Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) is the contracting activity. Funding for the award is substantial, with immediate obligations including:
With the CH-53K requiring three engines per airframe, the order of 277 engines supports the production of roughly 90 helicopters, accounting for necessary spares. This covers a significant portion of the Marine Corps’ total program of record, which aims for 200 aircraft to replace the aging CH-53E Super Stallion.
The T408-GE-400 engine represents a generational leap in rotorcraft propulsion technology. Designed specifically for the heavy-lift mission profile of the CH-53K, the engine offers dramatic improvements over the legacy T64 engine used in the Super Stallion.
According to GE Aerospace technical specifications, the T408 delivers 7,500 shaft horsepower per engine. This results in 57% more power than its predecessor. Furthermore, the engine is designed for the harsh marine environments where the Marine Corps operates, utilizing corrosion-resistant materials to withstand saltwater and sand. “The T408 offers 18% better specific fuel consumption… and is constructed with 63% fewer parts.”
, GE Aerospace Program Data
These efficiency gains allow the CH-53K to carry an external load of 36,000 pounds, triple the capacity of the CH-53E in high-altitude and hot-temperature conditions, while extending the aircraft’s mission radius.
This contract award arrives at a pivotal moment for both the U.S. Marine Corps and GE Aerospace. For the Marine Corps, the timing is critical. With the first fleet deployment of the CH-53K delayed to 2026, securing a stable engine supply chain through 2032 mitigates the risk of future logistical bottlenecks. The “block buy” nature of Lots 9 through 13 suggests the Navy is confident in the platform’s maturity and is locking in pricing and production slots before inflation or supply chain constraints can impact costs further.
For GE Aerospace, this $1.4 billion award reinforces its standing as a standalone defense prime following its 2024 spin-off from General Electric. The company has invested nearly $1 billion in its U.S. manufacturing sites, including the Lynn, Massachusetts facility. This contract guarantees a decade of workload for the Lynn workforce, a historic hub for jet engine manufacturing, and validates the company’s Strategy of balancing commercial engine demand with steady defense sustainment contracts.
The CH-53K King Stallion achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in April 2022 and was approved for Full-Rate Production in December 2022. While the program has faced schedule adjustments, including the shift of its first deployment to 2026, the aircraft is on track to reach Full Operational Capability (FOC) by 2029.
As reported by ClearanceJobs, the contract modification ensures that as the airframes roll off the assembly line, the propulsion systems will be ready to meet them. The T408 engines are integral to the Marine Corps’ “Force Design 2030” strategy, which emphasizes dispersed operations and heavy logistics support in contested maritime environments.
What is the value of the contract? Where will the engines be built? When is the work expected to be finished? How many engines are included? Sources: ClearanceJobs, Department of Defense, GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace Secures $1.4 Billion Navy Contracts for CH-53K Engines
Contract Breakdown and Scope
Powering the King Stallion: The T408 Engine
AirPro News Analysis
Program Timeline and Future Operations
Frequently Asked Questions
The contract modification is valued at $1,421,446,110.
All work will be performed at GE Aerospace’s facility in Lynn, Massachusetts.
The contract specifies a completion date of September 2032.
The deal covers the production of 277 T408-GE-400 turboshaft engines.
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
Destinus Acquires Daedalean to Strengthen European Autonomous Aviation
Destinus completed a $225M acquisition of Daedalean, integrating AI avionics to advance autonomous UAVs with GPS-denied navigation capabilities.
European aerospace company Destinus has officially completed its acquisitions of Daedalean, a Swiss leader in AI-based avionics, in a transaction valued at approximately $225 million (CHF 180 million). The deal, finalized on January 5, 2026, marks a significant consolidation in the European defense and aviation sectors, merging Destinus’s hypersonic and long-range unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hardware with Daedalean’s “certifiable AI” software.
According to the company’s announcement, this acquisition is designed to accelerate the development of fully autonomous systems capable of operating in GPS-denied environments, a critical capability for modern defense strategy. By integrating Daedalean’s visual positioning technology directly into Destinus’s airframes, the combined entity aims to create a vertically integrated European champion capable of competing with major U.S. defense-tech firms.
The cash-and-stock transaction was first announced in August 2025 and closed formally on January 5, 2026. Under the new structure, Daedalean will operate as a core hub for AI engineering and autonomy research within the Destinus group. However, it will retain its distinct brand identity for existing and future partnerships within the civil aviation sector.
Key personnel changes accompany the merger to ensure smooth integration. Bas Gouverneur, formerly the CEO of Daedalean, has been appointed as the Chief Military Program Officer at Destinus. In this role, he will oversee the integration of AI capabilities into defense platforms. Additionally, Yvonne Gross moves from her role as VP of Finance at Daedalean to become the Director of Operations and Infrastructure at Destinus, while Brontë Hamilton steps in as the new CFO for the expanded group.
The primary driver behind this acquisition is the urgent need for robust navigation systems in contested environments. Modern electronic warfare often involves the jamming or spoofing of GPS signals, rendering traditional navigation systems unreliable.
Daedalean’s Visual Positioning System (VPS) addresses this vulnerability by using onboard cameras to map terrain in real-time. This data is compared against a stored database, allowing aircraft to determine their location without relying on satellite signals. According to the press release, this technology will be integrated into Destinus’s portfolio of drones, including the Hornet, Lord, and Ruta models.
“This strategic move combines Destinus’s hardware capabilities… with Daedalean’s industry-leading ‘certifiable AI’ software.”
— Destinus Press Release
Beyond defense, the acquisition strengthens Destinus’s position in the civil aviation market. Daedalean is currently the only company with a “W-shaped” development process, an evolution of the standard V-model, that has been accepted by regulators for certifying neural networks. The company is actively pursuing certification with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the FAA for its PilotEye technology, which serves as a “never-tiring second pilot” to visually detect air traffic. This deal represents a broader industry trend toward vertical integration, where hardware manufacturers acquire software specialists to control the entire “autonomy stack.” By bringing avionics in-house, Destinus reduces its reliance on external suppliers and tightens the feedback loop between airframe design and flight control software.
Industry observers note that this move positions Destinus to compete more effectively with U.S. counterparts. Companies like Shield AI and Anduril Industries have successfully deployed similar vertically integrated models in the United States. Shield AI, for example, combines its Hivemind pilot software with its V-BAT drones. With this acquisition, Destinus is effectively signaling its intent to become the European equivalent of these defense-tech primes.
The Rise of “Sovereign” Autonomy
At AirPro News, we view this acquisition as a pivotal moment for European technological sovereignty. For years, European defense initiatives have struggled to match the pace of U.S. innovation in autonomous systems. By acquiring Daedalean, Destinus is not just buying software; it is acquiring a regulatory roadmap. Daedalean’s work with EASA on the “Concepts of Design Assurance for Neural Networks” (CoDANN) report suggests that Destinus may now hold the keys to the first certified AI pilots in European airspace.
However, the challenge will be cultural integration. Merging a hardware company focused on high-speed, hydrogen-powered concepts with a software firm deeply entrenched in rigorous safety certification processes is risky. The success of this deal will depend on whether Destinus can deploy Daedalean’s technology rapidly into its defense products without compromising the safety culture that makes Daedalean valuable to civil regulators.
Destinus Acquires Daedalean in $225M Deal to Fortify European Autonomous Aviation
Acquisition Details and Structure
Strategic Rationale: The Push for GPS Independence
Civil Aviation and Certification
Market Context and Competition
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Destinus
Defense & Military
Lockheed Martin Delivers Record 191 F-35s in 2025 with Combat Milestones
Lockheed Martin delivered 191 F-35s in 2025, cleared backlog, and achieved key combat milestones in NATO and Middle East operations.
This article is based on an official press release from Lockheed Martin. Additional context regarding software configurations is derived from industry reporting.
Lockheed Martin announced on January 7, 2026, that the F-35 Lightning II program achieved a historic production milestone in 2025, delivering 191 military aircraft to global customers. This figure shatters the previous annual record of 142 jets set in 2021 and represents a significant recovery for the program following delays associated with the Technology Refresh 3 (TR-3) software upgrade.
According to the company’s official statement, the surge in deliveries was driven by the resolution of a government-imposed delivery pause that had created a backlog of completed airframes. With the resumption of acceptances in mid-2024, Lockheed Martin was able to clear stored inventory, resulting in a delivery pace reportedly five times faster than any other allied fighter currently in production.
Beyond production statistics, 2025 marked a pivotal year for the operational history of the fifth-generation fighter. The aircraft saw its first kinetic engagement in defense of NATO airspace over Poland and played a key role in operations in the Middle East, cementing its status as a cornerstone of allied air power.
The delivery of 191 aircraft in a single calendar year is an outlier in the program’s history, primarily due to the “catch-up” effort required after the TR-3 delays. The Pentagon had halted acceptances in July 2023 due to software stability issues, leading to a stockpile of undelivered jets at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility.
In its press release, Lockheed Martin confirmed that the backlog was fully cleared by mid-2025. The company highlighted the collaborative effort required to achieve this throughput:
The F-35 enterprise rallied to meet the warfighter’s needs, delivering 191 aircraft and ensuring our allies maintain air dominance in an increasingly complex global security environment.
While the headline figure of 191 deliveries is impressive, it is important to contextualize this number. This volume represents the release of stored inventory rather than a new permanent annual production baseline. Industry analysis suggests the steady-state production capacity for the F-35 remains around 156 aircraft per year.
Furthermore, while the backlog has been cleared, industry reporting from outlets such as Defense Security Monitor indicates that many of these aircraft were accepted with a “truncated” version of the TR-3 software. This configuration allows for training but may not yet support the full suite of Block 4 combat capabilities, with full certification expected later in 2026. The year 2025 saw the F-35 utilized in high-stakes combat environments, validating its stealth and sensor fusion capabilities against modern threats.
In a historic first for the program, NATO F-35s engaged and neutralized Russian drones violating allied airspace over Poland. This event marks the first time NATO F-35s have employed kinetic force to defend allied territory, a significant escalation in the platform’s operational usage in Eastern Europe.
Lockheed Martin also noted the aircraft’s participation in “Operation Midnight Hammer” in the Middle East. The press release states that F-35s played a “key role” in suppressing Iranian air defense systems, demonstrating efficacy against sophisticated Integrated Air Defense Systems (IADS).
On the deployment front, the U.S. Marine Corps recorded nearly 5,000 mishap-free flight hours during a 2025 deployment. This achievement reinforces the reliability of the F-35B Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL) variant during sustained operations at sea and from austere bases.
The global footprint of the F-35 continues to grow, with the total fleet now surpassing 1,300 aircraft and accumulating over 1 million flight hours. Several international partners expanded their commitments in 2025:
Financially, the program was bolstered by the finalization of contracts for Production Lots 18 and 19 in September 2025. Valued at approximately $24 billion, these contracts cover the production of up to 296 aircraft for the U.S. services and international customers. Additionally, a new Air Vehicle Sustainment Contract was signed to support the growing fleet through 2025 and beyond.
Lockheed Martin Delivers Record 191 F-35s in 2025 Amid Combat Debuts
Production Surge and TR-3 Recovery
AirPro News Analysis: Sustainable Rates vs. Catch-Up
Operational Milestones: Combat and Safety
NATO Airspace Defense
Operation Midnight Hammer
USMC Safety Record
Global Fleet Expansion and Contracts
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
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