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HELIBRAS H225M DEBUT
The Brazilian Navy's New Helicopter
By: Roberto Valadares Caiafa
On October 27, 2016 Helibras and Airbus Helicopters introduced a new naval combat variant of its venerable H225M. Although the primary operator for this helicopter will be the Brazilian Navy, there are orders for 138 more from other militaries including France, Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Kuwait.
For its navalized combat missions the H225M has been equipped with advanced anti-surface weapons systems including the ability to deploy the AM39 Exocet anti-ship missile. Combined with an APS-143 surveillance radar, these capabilities make the H225M a formidable naval combat platform.
The first naval combat variants of the H225M are expected to be delivered to the Brazilian Navy in 2018 after certification trials are over.