Story ID: 
Cyprus Takes Six Airbus H145 Helicopters
By: Mark Huber
Caption: The Cypriot National Guard has ordered six militarized H145s from Airbus Helicopters.
Word Count: 179
Cyprus has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of six, five-blade H145Ms, with an option for six more, for use by the Cypriot National Guard. 

Airbus Helicopters's H145M is a twin-engine, multi-role, light utility military helicopter derived from the civil H145. It is already in service in Hungary (20), Germany (15), Serbia (9), Thailand (5), and Luxembourg (2). In addition, the U.S. Army operates a fleet of more than 460 domestically-built H145M-family helicopters as UH-72 Lakotas. 

The H145 is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E turbine engines and equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite featuring a four-axis autopilot. When equipped with the Airbus HForce weapons system, the H145M can be operated as a light attack helicopter with weapons including guns, rockets, and missiles, as well as combined with manned-unmanned teaming capabilities in networked combat. 

“The H145M will enhance the national guard’s day and night capabilities in delivering rapid response, firepower, and precision, providing effective combat support and acquiring critical information,” said Cypriot defense secretary Andreas Louka.