The Japan Coast Guard (JCG) has placed an order for three additional H225 helicopters, bringing its total H225 fleet to 18 units. As the largest Super Puma operator in Japan, JCG received three H225s in December 2023 and one in February 2024. The new helicopters will support territorial coastal activities, maritime law enforcement, and disaster relief missions in the country.
Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan, said, “The Japan Coast Guard has been an active operator of the Super Puma family helicopters for three decades. This follow-on order demonstrates the customer’s confidence in our products and the dedicated support to their fleet. We believe the H225 is the perfect choice for JCG’s critical missions for law enforcement, as well as coastal and island protection, given its versatility in all weather conditions. We are committed to fully supporting its existing fleet, as well as its upcoming deliveries, ensuring high availability for its operations.”
JCG’s H225 fleet is covered by Airbus’ highly adaptive HCare Smart full-by-the-hour material support, a customised fleet availability programme that allows the national coast guard agency to focus on its flight operations while Airbus manages its assets.
The H225, the latest addition to the Super Puma family, is recognised for its high performance in challenging conditions, outstanding range, and payload capacity. It is equipped with new avionics, including the largest screens available on the market and an innovative interface that, combined with its renowned autopilot, reduces pilot workload and enables them to focus on the mission at hand.
Offering the industry’s best range, speed, payload, and reliability in the 11-ton-category twin-engine rotorcraft, the H225 can be fitted with various equipment to suit a variety of roles.
Currently, 24 H225s are flown in Japan by the Ministry of Defence or parapublic operators for various search and rescue missions, VIP transport, fire-fighting, as well as passenger and goods transportation.
