The Moroccan Army Acquires New H135M Helicopters

The fleet of the Royal Air Force is growing with two new helicopters. These are two of the 12 H135M helicopters that Morocco ordered from the Airbus Helicopters group as part of the contract announced in July 2022 between the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) and the European manufacturer. Arrived in Perpignan, France, these aircraft transited through Almeria, Spain and Tangier before being delivered to the Royal Air Force, at the Meknes air base, on September 7, 2023. These new aircraft should replace the AgustaBell AB206A and AB206B helicopters currently used by the Helicopter Pilot Training School of the Royal Moroccan Air Force at the 1st Air Base in Rabat/Salé. The lightweight twin-engine H135 will be used to train pilots for various roles.

The contract signed by the Royal Armed Forces and the European manufacturer Airbus Helicopters covers the acquisition of H135M helicopters for training, transport and rescue. "The contract covered a complete package of support services, including the delivery of flight training devices and the training of instructor pilots and maintenance personnel," Airbus had specified in a press release on July 18, 2022. Its Africa/Middle East manager explained that it is a multi-role, reliable and economical helicopter, perfectly suited to the transition to more complex aircraft.