Airbus Helicopters has started flight-testing the H-160M "Guépard". This militarised version of the H-160 is being developed for the French Armed Forces as part of the Joint Light Helicopter programme. The flight test crew consisted of Samuel Chartier, H-160M flight test pilot, and flight test engineers Nicolas Certain, Laurent Maruejols, and Alban Corpron. Its maiden flight was celebrated during an official ceremony at the Company’s headquarters in France. 

The model was chosen by France as a single platform to equip all three branches of the armed forces—the Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force. The French Ministry of Armed Forces plans to order 169 H-160Ms to replace five types of helicopters currently in service with the French Armed Forces or recently retired.

The helicopter builds on the civil H-160 platform, which has been in service for over three years. Named "Guépard" by the French Armed Forces, this model features significant developments to make it one of the most modern military aircraft in the world. Airbus has opted to produce three prototypes to accelerate its development. A second prototype is currently in final assembly. The first prototype will primarily be used for validating the H-160M's flight performance and will conduct firing campaigns in 2026. The second prototype will be used for hot and cold weather campaigns, among other tests.

The H-160M is a 6-tonne class aircraft equipped with the Safran Arrano engines. It has benefited from 68 patents aimed at increasing its efficiency, safety, environmental footprint, maintenance, and operating costs compared to previous generation aircraft. The military version is equipped with Thales' FlytX avionics and a unique mission system developed by Airbus. These systems allow the crew to carry out complex missions in degraded environments with perfect tactical situational awareness.

Numerous communication systems allow the helicopter to be fully integrated into air, naval, and land-air operations. The H-160M is the first aircraft in the Airbus range to be natively equipped with a drone cooperation system. It also benefits from new-generation sensors such as Safran's Euroflir 410 electro-optical system and Thales' AirMaster C radar. The self-protection system is designed to operate across the entire electromagnetic and optical spectrum with automatic threat decoy capabilities.

Airbus' HForce weapon system allows for the integration of a wide range of effectors. The H-160M will have the capability to carry 12.7 mm machine guns in pods and guided rockets. The model can also be equipped with 7.62 mm machine guns in a pintle mount or an articulated arm for a precision shooter.

Delivery to the French Armed Forces will begin in late 2028. Airbus will provide maintenance and operational support for the H-160M for an initial period of ten years.