The first Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal to be adapted for naval combat is flying in Brazil. The company said that its Brazilian subsidiary, Helibras, will deliver this version to the Brazilian Navy in 2018 after it achieves military certification. Brazil ordered 50 H225Ms in 2009, of which 26 have now been delivered to its air force, army and navy.
Helibras developed the tactical mission system for the naval combat version by integrating a Telephonics APS-143 Ocean Eye maritime surveillance radar; MBDA AM39 Exocet anti-ship missiles; a Sigint sensor; advanced self-protection systems; and the automatic identification system (AIS—the "naval IFF"). The helicopter has a dedicated console in the main cabin for the sensor operator.
Airbus Helicopters made a $220 million investment in Brazil so that Helibras could assemble, test and deliver H225Ms from a new facility at Itajuba. The contract calls for 50 percent national content by 2020, and to that end Helibras has developed a local supply chain of 37 companies. According to Helibras president Richard Marelli, the new version “demonstrates our ability to effectively transfer technology, skills and know-how to Brazil, and support the development of the country’s aerospace industry.”
Another naval combat version of the H225M was part of the aborted deal to sell 50 of them to Poland. Eight of these would have been outfitted for the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission, with another six dedicated to search-and-rescue (SAR). The Polish naval air arm currently performs these duties with aging Mil Mi-14s, which have already undergone a life-extension program.
Seven countries—France, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Kuwait—have placed orders for 138 H225Ms.