The first two new H145M helicopters have arrived in Cyprus, strengthening the fleet of the Air Force Command of the National Guard.

The first photos were spread on social media as the new helicopters were presented to the public during the handover ceremony of the National Guard Air Force Command at the “Andreas Papandreou” Air Base in Paphos.

The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence, Christos Pieri, confirmed on TV the arrival of the first two H145M helicopters and stated that the other two are expected shortly. The order will be completed with the remaining two, a total of 6 helicopters.

The agreement for the acquisition of the H145M was signed in June 2022 and involved the acquisition of 6 (+6) helicopters from Airbus. The sale of 11 Russian Mi-135P Gunship Helicopters of the National Guard of Cyprus to Serbia was also agreed in an effort to modernize the fleet. However the option of the National Guard to buy another 6 helicopters is yet to be confirmed or not. With the addition of another batch of H145M the National Guard Air Force Command will have a similar number of assets as was the case with the 12 Mil-35ps (11 after the loss of one helicopter back in 2006).

Also read: EUROSATORY 2022 | Presentation of Airbus H145M with SPIKE ER-2 missiles and complete armament suite – VIDEO & Photos

As can be seen from the photos shared on social media, the new H145M helicopters of the National Guard carry among others a 0.50 mm machine gun pod (FN M3P) as well as a self-defence system. The spokesman of the Ministry of Defence emphasized on TV that the helicopters are equipped according to the requirements of the National Guard.

The main technical features of the H145M are:

• Maximum cruising speed: 240 km/h
• Maximum range: 638 km
• Maximum endurance: 3 hours 32 minutes
• Maximum carrying capacity: 10
• Operators: 2 (1 Pilot and 1 Operator of weapon systems installed on helicopter pylons)
• Powerplant: 2 X Safran Arriel 2E turboshaft engines with 894 hp each
• Possibility of carrying external load with sling: 1,600 kg
• Maximum take-off weight: 3,800 kg
• Useful payload: 1,905 kg
• Flight Ceiling: 20,000 ft (6,096 metres)
• MUT-T (Manned-Unmanned Teaming) capability

The helicopter’s armament may also include SPIKE ER 2 missiles, FZ231 unguided rockets, FZ275 LGR laser-guided and FZ606 guided rockets, Multi Purpose Pylons for light machine guns and gun pods (0,50’’ heavy machine gun or 20mm cannon).

Watch below our exclusive presentation of the H145M helicopter by Airbus H145M Program Manager during the International Defence and Security exhibition, EUROSATORY in Paris.

Also read: Cyprus National Guard | First appearance of H145M helicopters – Photos