Airbus Helicopters Reports 20% Order Surge in 2025 Amid Defense Boom

Airbus Helicopters has announced a robust performance for the full year 2025, driven by a significant rise in global defense spending and a recovering civil aviation market. According to the company’s official figures released on January 26, 2026, the manufacturer secured 544 gross orders (536 net) and delivered 392 helicopters, marking an 8.5% increase in deliveries compared to the previous year.

The results highlight a strategic pivot toward military capabilities, with the company capturing a 28% share of the military market, a notable increase fueled by geopolitical instability. Simultaneously, Airbus maintained its dominance in the civil and parapublic sectors, holding a 51% global market share. The surge in activity represents a nearly 20% increase in order intake by units year-on-year.

Operational Highlights and Strategic Wins

The 2025 fiscal year was defined by major sovereign commitments from European nations seeking to modernize their defense fleets. In the company’s press release, Airbus detailed several landmark contracts that underpinned the year’s success.

Most notably, Spain finalized a historic agreement for 100 helicopters. This comprehensive package includes H145Ms, NH90s, and the first export order for the H175M, solidifying the platform’s entry into the international military market. Other key contracts reported by Airbus include:

• Germany: An order for 20 additional H145M helicopters.
• Greece: The acquisition of 8 H215 heavy helicopters.
• United Kingdom: The National Police Air Service ordered 7 H135 units.
• Morocco: A contract for 10 H225M helicopters.

Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, emphasized the dual strength of the company’s portfolio in a statement accompanying the release.

“Airbus Helicopters’ outstanding performance in 2025, marked by an order intake increase close to 20% in units, demonstrates that our modern civil and military portfolios are delivering the precise mission capabilities required in today’s complex environment. Our focus on defence and security has never been sharper.”

, Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters

Industry observers note that these results serve as a capstone for Even, who is scheduled to step down in April 2026 after a seven-year tenure.

AirPro News Analysis: Competitive Landscape

While Airbus has solidified its position in Europe, the broader 2025 market landscape shows intense competition driven by distinct regional strategies. Based on available industry data, Airbus’s balanced approach contrasts with its primary American competitors, who are heavily leveraging massive domestic military programs.

For instance, Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin) secured a $10.9 billion contract in late 2025 for the CH-53K King Stallion program, anchoring its revenue in heavy-lift U.S. Marine Corps requirements. Similarly, Bell (Textron) has seen revenue growth driven by the U.S. Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) program. In contrast, Leonardo Helicopters reported strong interim results with €18.2 billion in new orders over the first nine months of 2025, driven largely by export wins like the AW149.

Our analysis suggests that while U.S. manufacturers are capitalizing on singular, high-value domestic programs, Airbus is successfully executing a diversification strategy. By maintaining a 51% share of the civil market while expanding its military footprint through NATO member contracts, the company mitigates the risks associated with relying solely on defense cycles.

Technological Evolution and Future Outlook

Beyond traditional airframes, Airbus Helicopters is aggressively pursuing the integration of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). The company highlighted its “HTeaming” strategy, Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), which pairs manned helicopters with drones to extend operational range and safety.

The integration of Survey Copter into its tactical portfolio signals a shift toward offering complete reconnaissance packages rather than standalone aircraft. This move aligns with the broader industry trend where customers demand multi-role assets capable of logistics, troop transport, and surveillance in contested environments.

Looking ahead, Airbus has confirmed that full-year financial results will be disclosed on February 19, 2026. Preliminary data from the first half of 2025, which showed revenues rising 16% to €3.7 billion, suggests the company is on a strong financial trajectory leading into the CEO transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the total number of helicopter deliveries in 2025?

Airbus Helicopters delivered 392 units in 2025, an 8.5% increase from the 361 units delivered in 2024.

How much of the market does Airbus control?

The company holds a 51% share of the global civil and parapublic market and has grown its military market share to 28%.

What is the significance of the Spanish contract?

The order for 100 helicopters from Spain is significant not only for its volume but because it includes the first export order for the H175M, expanding the reach of that specific military platform.

Sources

• Airbus Press Release