Armenia finalizes deal for six Airbus H145 helicopters, marking turn toward Western aerospace

Image: Airbus

In a landmark development for the South Caucasus aviation sector, the Government of Armenia has finalized a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of six H145 multi-purpose twin-engine rotorcraft. Announced officially on June 18, the deal represents Yerevan’s first-ever direct procurement from Airbus Helicopters, signaling a shift in the country’s aerospace procurement strategy away from its traditional reliance on Soviet and Russian-designed platforms.

The contract was signed against the backdrop of strengthening bilateral ties between France and Armenia, culminating during the official state visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Yerevan.

According to statement from Airbus Helicopters, the aircraft are being acquired for the Armenian authorities to modernize and diversify the state’s aging rotary-wing fleet. While government officials have not publicly specified the exact distribution between civilian services and the Ministry of Defense, the helicopters are designated for multi-purpose utility and government transport missions.

The selection of the five-bladed H145 variant is dictated primarily by Armenia’s diverse and mountainous geography. Equipped with two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines and FADEC, the H145 is well suited for republic’s “high and hot” environment.

Airbus Helicopters has not publicly disclosed the exact financial terms or the delivery schedule for the six units. However, current global supply chain constraints and an extensive global backlog for the H145 platform present a standard lead time of roughly 36 to 48 months for new government contracts. Consequently, aerospace analysts estimate that deliveries to Armenia will commence in late 2029 or early 2030.

The Armenia-Airbus deal is more than a standard fleet modernization effort; it is an indicator of geopolitical realignment. Historically dependent on Russian defense and aerospace exports, Armenia has increasingly looked to Western European defense contractors to fulfill its security and logistical requirements over the last two years.

By integrating the H145 into its state fleet, Armenia establishes an operational footprint with a leading European OEM, opening the door for future Western aerospace procurement, logistical frameworks, and MRO partnerships in the region.

CentralAsia+ Aero earlier reported: Uzbekistan becomes region’s first customer for Airbus Flexrotor drones.