Japan’s Nagoya City Fire Bureau orders Airbus H160

Tokyo, Japan, 17 July 2025 – Japan’s Nagoya City Fire Bureau placed an order for an Airbus H160. The helicopter will be deployed for fire fighting, search and rescue missions, as well as disaster response operations, including reconnaissance of affected areas. 

“We are honoured that our long-standing customer Nagoya City Fire Bureau has selected the H160 for their vital missions. This game-changing helicopter redefines safety, performance and design — ideally suited for demanding work of the Bureau,” said Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “We’re confident it will make a meaningful impact, and we remain fully committed to supporting their operations and deepening our partnership.”

The new H160 will be configured for search and rescue, and aerial firefighting missions, and can be installed with either a firefighting bucket or a belly-mounted water tank, enhancing its capability to support ground crew in wildfire suppression.

The Nagoya City Fire Bureau has been flying since 1973, when it introduced its first helicopter, an Allouette III, to protect and serve the community from the air. Today, it operates two AS365N3. With the newly ordered H160, one of the current helicopters will be retired, ushering a new era of aerial support for the city.

The H160 is one of the world’s most technologically advanced helicopters, designed and built to deliver the highest levels of operational safety while providing unmatched comfort for rotorcraft in its class. Capable of performing wide-ranging missions including law enforcement, offshore transportation, search and rescue, private and business aviation, and emergency medical services, the H160 has entered into service in Japan, Brazil, Canada, France, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, U.K., U.S. and many other European countries.

Airbus Helicopters has been a trusted partner in Japan for 65 years, with about 380 helicopters supporting a wide range of missions across the country. The innovative H160 is gaining momentum, with three units currently flying — two operated for law enforcement, and one for news gathering missions. This new H160 order is set to join the growing Japan fleet, reflecting the growing confidence in the helicopter’s versatility and performance among Japanese operators.

@AirbusHeli #H160 #makingmissionspossible