H160M

The H160M Guépard is France's Joint Light Helicopter (HIL) programme aircraft, selected as a single platform to equip all three branches of the French armed forces (Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force). The H160M supports multi-role operations including commando infiltration, air interception, fire support, anti-ship warfare, search and rescue, and tactical transport. France plans to order 169 H160M aircraft to replace five helicopter types currently operated by the French armed forces.

First deliveries of the H160M to the French Armed Forces will begin in late 2028. Airbus began flight-testing the H160M Guépard in June 2025 with the first prototype's maiden flight. The flight test programme includes firing campaigns scheduled for 2026 and environmental testing in hot and cold weather conditions.

The H160M is the military variant of the civil H160 platform, which received EASA type certification in July 2020. 

The H160M is weaponised for light attack operations and can be equipped with anti-ship missiles. Specific weapon configurations have not been fully disclosed, but the platform supports fire support and anti-ship warfare missions through its integrated weapon management systems.

The H160M is powered by Safran Arrano engines, the same engines used on the civil H160 platform. 

The H160M is equipped with Thales' FlytX avionics suite, a new-generation avionics and mission system for helicopters. The system includes Thales' TopOwl helicopter pilot head-up display helmet, inertial navigation system, communication systems, and global navigation satellite system (GNSS). New-generation sensors include Safran's Euroflir 410 electro-optical system and Thales' AirMaster C radar.

Yes. The H160M is the first helicopter in the Airbus range to be natively equipped with a drone cooperation system, enabling seamless integration with uncrewed platforms for expanded operational reach and tactical awareness.

Airbus Helicopters started flight-testing the H160M Guépard in June 2025, with the first prototype's maiden flight celebrated at the company's Marignane headquarters in France. Airbus is producing three H160M prototypes: the first prototype will primarily validate flight performance and conduct firing campaigns in 2026, whilst the second prototype will undergo hot and cold weather campaigns.

To ensure high availability while reducing operating costs, the H160M's support and services requirements were integrated from early design phases. The support concept is innovative and simplified, based on data exploitation through analytics. The H160M can be integrated into a secured digital support environment, and Airbus will provide maintenance and operational support for an initial period of 10 years.