Airbus Helicopters has entered into a contract with the Hellenic Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection for the procurement of eight H215 helicopters, with an option for two additional units, to assist in combating wildfires in Greece. The agreement follows a tender managed by the Project Preparation Facility of Growthfund, which operates under the National Fund of Greece. This initiative is supported by two European funding sources and is aligned with Greece’s Aegis Programme, aimed at reinforcing Civil Protection capabilities.
The contract utilizes a “government-owned contractor-operated” (GO-CO) model, with Airbus Helicopters collaborating with established H215 firefighting operators, Airtelis and SAF Hélicoptères, for the helicopters’ technical and operational support.
Panagiotis Stampoulidis, Deputy CEO of Growthfund, highlighted the significance of the deal, stating, “This contract represents a pivotal moment in our efforts to mitigate the severe effects of climate change in Greece. It is the largest agreement signed under the ‘Aegis’ National Programme and will strengthen our Civil Protection mechanism with state-of-the-art equipment.”
In addition, Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, commented on the global impact of wildfires, stating, “With wildfires affecting millions of square kilometers worldwide, it is an honor to contribute to the Greek efforts with our H215 helicopters. The H215 is renowned for its firefighting capabilities, able to drop over four tons of water at once. We are confident that, in collaboration with our experienced partners Airtelis and SAF Aerogroup, the H215 will prove to be an indispensable tool for Greece’s firefighting operations.”
SAF Aerogroup specializes in high-complexity helicopter operations, including mountain rescues, medical services, and firefighting, exemplified by their 2024 H215 deployment to Greece as part of the RescEU program. Airtelis, based in southern France and with over 60 years of experience, has extended its expertise from power grid support to firefighting and emergency response services on a global scale.
Airbus Helicopters has been a longstanding partner in Greece, serving both civil and military sectors since the early 2000s. The Hellenic Fire Brigade and Hellenic Air Force currently operate Super Puma helicopters, with the new H215s expected to enhance the Super Puma ecosystem in Greece through pilot and technician training.
The H215, a part of the Super Puma family, has been deployed worldwide in firefighting operations. It features advanced technology, including the H225’s 4-axis autopilot, which allows for firefighting missions at night. The H215’s range of 540 nautical miles and its ability to carry up to 19 firefighters make it a key asset for Greece’s firefighting fleet.