Germany has decided to exercise the option for 20 more H-145M light combat helicopters (Leichter Kampfhubschrauber or LKH for short) that were part of a contract signed in December 2023 (see AVIONEWS), bringing the total number to 82 ones. 

The first H-145M LKH helicopter was delivered to Germany, less than a year after the contract signature, in November 2024 (see AVIONEWS) and additional helicopters have since been delivered. Its missions include training, reconnaissance, special forces operations and light attack. The German Army will receive 72 aircraft, while the Luftwaffe's special forces will receive ten. 

It is a multi-role military helicopter that provides a broad range of mission capabilities. Within minutes, the model can be reconfigured from a light attack role with axial ballistic and guided weapons and a state-of-the-art self-protection system into a special operations version with fast rappelling equipment. The comprehensive mission packages include hoisting and external cargo capabilities. 

It is the military version of the tried-and-tested, light twin-engine H-145 aircraft. The global fleet of the family has accumulated more than eight million flight hours. It is used by armed and law enforcement forces around the world for the most demanding missions. The Bundeswehr already operates helicopters for special forces operations and search and rescue missions. The US Army employs almost 500 units from the H-145 family under the name of UH-72 Lakota, which have clocked more than 1.5 million flight hours. Other military operators of the H-145 family are Hungary, Serbia, Luxembourg, Thailand, Ecuador, Honduras and Cyprus. Recent orders include Belgium signing for 17, Brunei for six and Ireland for four H-145Ms.

Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the model is fitted with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (Fadec). In addition, it is equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite which, alongside innovative flight data management, includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, reducing pilot workload during missions.