Produced in China?
Just think of all the little 'extras' that will built into them.

If you read between the lines from all the marketing guff it's all really the technology of the already proven hellfire and missile systems, the missile can hit the target but very unlikely they are going to admit the airframe received damage in the process lol.

A very nice VIP chariot for the King. The H175 has seen success in the offshore market where it is very popular with passengers and there have been VIP airframes on superyachts, maybe still one now. I think an ex CHC offshore or SAR pilot flew one for a while.
Given they are built in Albecete then a good choice for a quasi civilian role.

All is not a you seem to imagine it.

Makes me laugh, 149 like the 175 trying to turn a pigs arse into a silk purse, both civilian machines only one able to do all the multi roles including gunship is the Black Hawk but we all know the politics won't let that happen, I would sooner be in a Combat zone in a 332/225 rather than a 149 or 175 if I can't have a BH, the latest and greatest is definitely not the best.

its not build in china if that's what you are about

I see Airbus are pushing the sale as first to European Mil operator - even though it is not a military version and not a military role - unless the pax are wearing camo!!

I can’t find any press release on the Airbus news page. But most sources, including Janes, are saying they’re M versions. You’re second point is clearly valid.

every type is a thin wall tube until it is being armoured isn't it?

Wouldn’t it be easy if you could make a military helicopter just by sticking armour on?
it goes a bit deeper than that ;-)

Joe is can be directed, directly ;-)

vs contemporary cutting edge mil chopper, yes. vs 50 years old design, no.

What was the nature of the airframe damage? This bit in the article didn't inspire me: "One of the highlights involved a Hellfire missile fired from the helicopter’s right pylon to strike a target located several dozen degrees off-axis to the left, showcasing the missile's superior targeting and course correction capabilities".

It is replacing the Puma, which NEVER carried rockets of any kind.....

I think it had a door mounted LMG in some roles.

Not in the RAF, but other Air Forces are available to chose from.....

The H225M (old 725....) certainly has them as an option:
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....1217411c08.png

Even some really big ones!:
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....13070c1045.jpg

You funny - what part of the painted O&G machines is ‘contemporary cutting edge mil chopper’ ?🤣🤣
there is nothing ‘cutting edge’ - but there are lots of areas where they still fail to surpass a ‘50 year old design’…..go figure

Did you read the NMH spec - it called for various rocket/missile/gun fits……and NMH was meant to replace not just the Puma.

I figure you just like the BH dearly. Good for you.