Airbus Helicopters has secured a contract with Greece’s Hellenic Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection for the purchase of eight H215 helicopters. The deal, which includes an option for two additional units, aims to enhance Greece’s ability to fight wildfires. The purchase follows a tender by the Project Preparation Facility of Growthfund, the National Fund of Greece, on behalf of the Ministry.
The contract is supported by two European funds and is part of the Ministry’s Aegis Programme, which aims to strengthen the Civil Protection forces. The helicopters will be operated under a “government-owned contractor-operated” (GO-CO) model, with Airbus partnering with experienced operators Airtelis and SAF Hélicoptères to provide technical and operational support.
Panagiotis Stampoulidis, deputy CEO of Growthfund, stated, “The signing of this contract marks an important step in reducing the impact of the climate crisis in our country. It is the largest contract under the Aegis National Programme to modernize the Civil Protection system in Greece, and we are pleased that the Project Preparation Facility swiftly completed the tender with transparency and efficiency.”
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, added, “Wildfires have burned millions of square kilometers globally in recent years, causing severe environmental damage. We are proud to support Greece in fighting these fires with our H215 helicopters. The H215, which can drop over 4 tonnes of water at a time, has been a vital asset in firefighting efforts worldwide. With experienced operators like Airtelis and SAF Aerogroup, we are confident the H215 will be a reliable asset for Greece’s firefighting missions.”
Expert Operators for Complex Helicopter Missions
SAF Aerogroup specializes in complex helicopter operations, including mountain rescue, air medical services, firefighting, and humanitarian missions. The group also manages high-precision lifting, maintenance, and pilot/technician training. In 2024, SAF Aerogroup participated in a RescEU mission in Greece with its H215 helicopters.
Airtelis, a French operator with over 60 years of experience, has expanded its operations to include emergency response, particularly firefighting. The company, based in southern France, has a strong history in power grid support through its parent company RTE.
Airbus Helicopters has been a trusted partner in Greece since the early 2000s, providing helicopters for civil, parapublic, and military sectors. The Hellenic Fire Brigade currently operates two Super Pumas, while the Hellenic Air Force has 12 Super Pumas. This new contract will also support activities related to training pilots and technicians for the Super Puma fleet.
The H215: A Versatile Tool for Firefighting
The H215, part of the Super Puma family, is a versatile multi-role helicopter used worldwide for firefighting missions. With over 1,100 helicopters delivered and more than 6 million flight hours, the H215 is a reliable choice for tackling wildfires. It features the H225’s advanced four-axis autopilot, allowing for firefighting operations at night as well as during the day.
The H215 has an impressive range of 540 nautical miles and can fly for over two hours, making it ideal for long-duration missions. It can carry 19 firefighters and can be equipped with a water bucket or belly tank, making it a valuable addition to any country’s firefighting fleet. The H215’s capabilities make it one of the few civil-certified heavy helicopters still in production.
