RAF’s First Jupiter HC2 Helicopter Takes Flight in UK

This article is based on an official press release from the Royal Air Force.

The Royal Air Force (RAF) has officially marked a significant milestone in its rotary-wing modernization program with the maiden flight of the first Jupiter HC2 helicopters. Taking place at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire on December 17, 2025, the event signals the start of a critical training phase for the new fleet, which is destined to support British forces in Brunei and Cyprus.

According to the RAF announcement, the Jupiter HC2,the military designation for the Airbus H145 D3,was procured to replace the aging Bell 212 and Bell 412 fleets. The flight comes just 18 months after the initial order was placed, highlighting the Ministry of Defence’s focus on “rapid acquisition” to close capability gaps in overseas aviation support.

With the first aircraft now airborne in the UK, the Joint Aviation Command (JAC) is moving quickly to train instructional staff. The RAF has confirmed that the fleet of six aircraft is scheduled to deploy to Brunei and Cyprus in early 2026, with Full Operational Capability (FOC) expected by June 2026.

Operational Deployment and Timeline

The procurement of the Jupiter HC2 is specifically targeted at maintaining and enhancing the UK’s permanent overseas presence. For decades, the RAF and Army Air Corps have relied on legacy platforms like the Bell 212 for jungle warfare training and the Bell 412 for search and rescue duties. As these airframes reached the end of their service lives, the Ministry of Defence required a modern solution that could be delivered swiftly.

The RAF has outlined a tight schedule for the new fleet’s rollout:

• Current Phase: Training of instructional staff at RAF Benson.
• February 2026: Deployment to Brunei to support 667 Squadron, Army Air Corps.
• March 2026: Deployment to Cyprus to support No. 84 Squadron, RAF.
• June 2026: Target for Full Operational Capability.

In Brunei, the Jupiter HC2 will support jungle warfare training, troop transport, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) in demanding tropical conditions. In Cyprus, the fleet will take over emergency response, search and rescue (SAR), and aerial firefighting duties, providing critical support to both British Forces Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus.

Rapid Acquisition Strategy

The speed of this program has been a focal point for defence officials. The £122 million contract was awarded to Airbus Helicopters UK in April 2024. By utilizing an off-the-shelf solution in the H145 D3, the RAF avoided the lengthy development cycles often associated with military aircraft procurement.

“Delivering the first aircraft, in under two years, to fill critical capability gaps is a testament to the outstanding collaboration between the UK Armed Forces, DE&S and Airbus Helicopters UK. This rapid acquisition programme will deliver important capabilities to Brunei and Cyprus, whilst enhancing the UK’s global overseas presence and investing in UK industry.”

, Group Captain James Brooks, Senior Responsible Owner for Jupiter HC2

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Technical Capabilities: The H145 D3

The Jupiter HC2 represents a significant technological leap over the airframes it replaces. Based on the Airbus H145 D3, the helicopter is optimized for the diverse environments it will face, from the humid jungles of Southeast Asia to the hot, dry climate of the Mediterranean.

A defining feature of the D3 variant is its 5-bladed bearingless main rotor. According to technical specifications released by Airbus and cited in the reporting, this system offers a smoother ride, reduced vibration, and a 150 kg increase in useful load compared to previous 4-bladed models. The simplified rotor design also eases maintenance burdens,a crucial factor for aircraft operating in remote overseas bases.

The aircraft is equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite, which includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot. This system is designed to reduce pilot workload and increase safety during operations in degraded visual environments, such as brownouts or whiteouts.

“To be operating the aircraft only 18 months after the first aircraft order is remarkable… RAF Benson will provide a safe and supportive environment for this new capability to take flight, and we look forward to its deployment to Brunei and Cyprus next year.”

, Wing Commander John Longland, Commander Air Wing RAF Benson

AirPro News Analysis

The arrival of the Jupiter HC2 is more than just a fleet update; it resolves a precarious gap in the UK’s rotary-wing capabilities. Following the retirement of the Bell 212 and 412, the RAF was forced to utilize the Puma HC2 as an interim solution. While capable, the Puma is a larger, medium-lift platform that was diverted from its primary roles to fill these specific overseas niches.

By introducing the Jupiter HC2, the RAF can return the Puma fleet to its core duties or proceed with its own scheduled retirement. Furthermore, the choice of the H145 D3 aligns the UK with other NATO allies and civil operators who favor the type for its reliability and compact footprint. The inclusion of the Fenestron enclosed tail rotor is particularly relevant for the Cyprus mission, where operations often occur near populated areas or in confined landing zones requiring high safety margins for ground crews.

The successful execution of this “rapid acquisition” may also serve as a blueprint for future procurement needs outside of the larger, more complex New Medium Helicopter (NMH) program, demonstrating that off-the-shelf commercial derivatives can effectively meet specific military requirements when speed is of the essence.

Sources: Royal Air Force, UK Defence Journal, Airbus Helicopters