Purchasing another Six. So they are “critical military capabilities is essential to our nation’s security”…… In Brunei and erm Cyprus…… How is the Puma replacement coming along BTW?
”avoiding unnecessary over-speccing” why does that sound like doing it on the cheap, that will require more funding later to make it fit for purpose.
Or am I just being cynical.
The UK’s Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) has finalised a contract valued at £122 million for the procurement of six Airbus H145 helicopters, aimed at bolstering aviation support for British forces stationed in Brunei and Cyprus.
This announcement follows the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) November 2023 disclosure through a Voluntary Transparency Notification of its plans to acquire the H145s.
The Airbus H145 is not new to the UK Defence sector, being integral to the UK Military Flying Training System where it aids in the training of helicopter aircrew across various conditions including maritime, mountain, and search and rescue operations.
The newly acquired helicopters will primarily support operations in Brunei, aiding in jungle training and critical medical evacuation tasks. In Cyprus, stationed within the Sovereign Base Areas (SBAs), the helicopters will facilitate training, joint military exercises with the Republic of Cyprus, and are also tasked with emergency response and aerial firefighting duties.
Since 2022, the interim aviation support in these regions has been provided by the Puma HC2 helicopters. The transition to the Airbus H145 marks a continued commitment by the UK to its defence activities in Brunei and Cyprus, enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness through fleet commonality.
Minister for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge said:
“Reforming defence acquisition to make every pound count and rapidly provide our Armed Forces with . As I announced at the International Military Helicopters conference, purchasing the H145s will support our forces in Brunei and on Cyprus with a trusted capability whilst avoiding unnecessary over-speccing, and overspending.”
https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-e...icopter-fleet/