Greece orders eight Airbus H215 helicopters to combat forest fires

Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Hellenic Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection for the purchase of eight H215 helicopters (with an option for two additional aircraft) to support the combat of wildfires in the country following a tender conducted by the Project Preparation Facility of Growthfund (the National Fund of Greece) on behalf of the Ministry.

Two European funds support this contract and align with the Ministry's Aegis Programme to enhance the capabilities of the Civil Protection forces. The contract will be based on a 'government-owned contractor operated' (GO-CO) model for which Airbus Helicopters will partner with experienced H215 firefighting operators, Airtelis and SAF Helicopteres, for the technical and operational support.\

"Wildfires have burned on average three to five million square kilometres globally in recent years with significant environmental consequences. It is an honour to have been selected to support the combat, with our H215 helicopters, that Greek communities face every year," said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. "The H215 is used around the world for firefighting missions with its ability to drop more than four tonnes of water at a time. Relying on experienced operators, such as Airtelis and SAF Aerogroup, is exactly what the French Securite Civile does. Airbus Helicopters has been a long-standing provider of helicopters for essential missions in the country and together with our GO-CO partners, we are sure that the H215 will be a vital and reliable asset."

SAF Aerogroup specializes in complex helicopter operations like mountain rescue, air medical services, firefighting, and humanitarian/logistic missions, demonstrated by their 2024 H215 RescEU deployment to Greece. The group also manages high-precision lifting, maintenance, and pilot/technician training, offering air services to governmental and international organizations. Similarly, Airtelis, a French operator based in the South of France with over 60 years of experience stemming from its parent company RTE, has broadened its focus beyond power grid support to include emergency response, notably firefighting, for a broader range of national and international clients.

The Hellenic Fire Brigade operates two Super Pumas, and the Hellenic Air Force operates 12 Super Pumas. The H215 is equipped with the H225's 4-axis autopilot, enabling firefighting activities at night. It has a range of around 540 nautical miles (1000 km), an endurance of more than two hours, and can transport 19 firefighters. It can be equipped with either a water bucket or a belly tank.

(article source: Airbus / editor: Anton van Rijsbergen)
(image source: Airbus)