First Hungarian Air Force H225M

On 17 November 2022, the first Airbus Helicopters H225M destined for the Magyar Légierö (ML, Hungarian Air Force) took to the air at Marseille/Marignane on one of its first flights. The helicopter, still in primer, was registered as F-ZWDZ (construction number 3117).

On 14 December 2018, Airbus announced that the Hungarian Ministry of Defence ordered sixteen H225M multi-purpose helicopters, including training and support in a multi-million dollar contract.

The contract is part of the Hungarian Government ambitious ‘Zrinyi 2026’ armed forces modernisation programme. On 20 July 2021, Scramble Magazine reported on the assembly of the first of six Special Operations Force (SOF) H225Ms.

The H225Ms will replace the ageing Mi-17 helicopters operated by MH 86. 'Szolnok' Helicopter Ezred (MH 86.HE) at Szolnok. The new helicopters will be equipped with the HForce weapon management system as well as modern and advanced avionics, an advanced communications suit and a four axis autopilot. The night vision capable H225Ms will be used for transport, combat search and rescue, and special operations missions.

Photo by Romain Boghossian (Romain Photographie)