Romania and Airbus Helicopters extend the coordinates of the strategic partnership

By Jerom Bolt
Airbus Helicopters and IAR Ghimbav/Brasov have signed an Industrial Cooperation agreement in order to customize the H145M helicopter for attack missions for the Romanian armed forces, according to a press release.
The proposed cooperation program includes the transfer of high-tech technology and know-how from Airbus Helicopters to the Romanian defense industry, with the aim of ensuring the continuous technical availability of the H145M helicopter fleet that would be operated by the Romanian Ministry of Defense.
This new agreement is in addition to the exclusive Industrial Cooperation exclusive agreement, under which IAR has become the main contractor for H215M for any future order from the Romanian Ministry of Defense to replace the aging helicopter fleet.
“We are ready to set up industrial defense capabilities in Romania to ensure the country’s full autonomy in the production, operations, services, maintenance and repair of H215M multi-role helicopters and H145M light multi-role helicopters,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
“The signing of this Industrial Cooperation agreement is the next step in our collaboration with IAR and is based on 50 years of active contribution to the Romanian aeronautical industry. We have a strong collaboration with our IAR partner and other important players in the aeronautical industry, and over the years we have made significant investments in our units, in the specialization of our employees and also in education “, he added.
“We have proven experience in providing quality and reliability and are now ready for development through innovation. We can only do this through a very strong and consistent partnership. IAR Brasov and Airbus have a long history together and we have the opportunity to increase our commitment to offer, in the near future, the best products for our customers “, said Laurian Anastasof, General Manager of IAR.
In order to expand its presence on the Romanian market, IAR would be responsible for the production and customization of H215M and H145M helicopters in Brasov, respectively.
These two projects would bring substantial benefits to Romania, such as employment, the acquisition of high-level professional skills, greater contributions to the local budget, investment in education, and would allow Romania to join the exclusive club of countries capable of producing H215 / H215M helicopters.
The H215M is a medium-heavy multi-role helicopter that has proven its capabilities in combat, combining the recognized strength of the Cougar and Super Puma family with the all-glass cockpit, autopilot and avionics specific to the H225M helicopter.
With competitive operating and maintenance costs and the ability to be easily deployed, the H215M is an affordable and efficient solution for the rotating wing category.
The H145M, with its unmatched 4-axis autopilot and Helionix® aircraft system, is designed for a wide range of demanding missions (from light attack, to troop transport, freight transport or aeromedical evacuation). It is optimized to perform special security missions, transport or firing at a safe distance from enemy fire, during the day or night, in bad weather or low visibility.