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The fleet will be used by Morocco for military training missions and will replace the aging Agusta-Bell 206B helicopters Morocco continues to increase its armament potential. The Royal Air Force of the Maghreb country has just announced that it has signed a contract with Airbus for a fleet of helicopters that will soon be incorporated into its defence system. The aircraft are the H135s, one of the company’s newest models, which will renew the Moroccan fleet.
“We are proud that the Royal Air Forces have chosen the H135 for their training missions. It is a reliable and cost-effective multi-role helicopter, perfectly suited for the transition to more complex aircraft,” said Airbus Helicopters’ Head of Africa and Middle East, Arnaud Montalvo. Initially, these machines will be used to carry out military training missions and pilots will enter a process of upgrading their training to adapt to these aircraft.
The H135 helicopters, formerly known as EC135, are light twin-engine helicopters. They weigh up to 120 kg and can accommodate up to one additional passenger in the cabin, plus support equipment and fuel. Over time, Airbus has improved it so that it can fly further distances, as its endurance has been extended over the years to 40 minutes and reaches 75 NM (Nautical Miles). Their main use is to educate new pilots for training in the armed forces. They can even be used for armed reconnaissance and anti-tank ωɑɾʄɑɾε missions.
According to Airbus’ own website, these helicopters are equipped with the most advanced technology available for their use. Included in their system is the Helionix avionics system, which offers the aircraft’s drivers greater flexibility and safety when performing missions. Airbus claims that this fleet is one of the best in the world and that its reputation is based on its performance, endurance, reliability, and versatility in military exercises. “We are confident that the H135s will be an important asset to their fleet, and we look forward to providing them with the best support in cooperation with our strategic partner Heliconia with their entry into service in the country,” Montalvo continued.
With the request to acquire this fleet, Morocco is preparing to renew its air system. FAR-MOROCCO, a Moroccan news forum, claims that the H135s will replace the aging Agusta-Bell 206Bs. These aircraft have been in the Kingdom for quite some time and the country’s forces believe it is time to upgrade to better ones. These helicopters were built in Italy in the 1970s, while the H135s date from the mid-1990s. It is not yet known exactly how much the UK has ordered from Airbus to renew its fleet. Neither the country nor the company has commented on the matter, but Moroccan media reports suggest that a dozen aircraft are being purchased. What they have said is that these will come with clear instructions for training pilots and will have a full set of support services.
These aircraft have a long history of experience. Even in many countries they are not only used by the military, but also by law enforcement agencies such as the police because of their ease of learning and the features they offer. Airbus notes that these aircraft are operating in more than 60 countries and 1,400 units have been delivered. The latest data collected in 2021 highlights that overall, the helicopters have already flown 5.5 million hours.
A renewal of the Moroccan army
In recent years, the Alaouite kingdom has been interested in reinforcing its ωεɑρσռs system, which is why it has been acquiring defence systems, ωεɑρσռs, aircraft, ships, and other items that represent the modernisation of the Moroccan Armed Forces. The recent acquisition of the VL MICA anti-aircraft system and Sherpa all-terrain vehicles, 36 CEASAR 155mm cannons, a thousand launchers and anti-tank missiles, T-72M battle tanks, ammunition for the Bayraktar TB2 drones, 24 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, the construction of maintenance areas and military bases, military exercises, etc., are worth mentioning.
