The Hiroshima City Fire Services Bureau has received its first Airbus H160 helicopter, making it the world’s first firefighting operator of the type. The aircraft is scheduled to enter service in early 2026 and will be used for multiple public service missions, including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and disaster response operations.
The H160 will be equipped with a firefighting bucket to support ground crews during wildfire suppression. It will replace the AS365 N3, which has been in service with Hiroshima’s fire department since 2006.
“We take pride in being the first operator in the world to introduce the H160 for firefighting missions,” said Hideki Sadamori, Chief of the Hiroshima City Fire Services Bureau. “We are confident in its advanced capabilities and performance to significantly enhance our city’s firefighting and disaster prevention activities. With this helicopter, we will make every effort to save as many lives as possible.”
Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan, said, “We are proud to see the H160 enter a new chapter in its multi-mission journey with its first deployment in firefighting with Hiroshima City Fire Services Bureau in Japan. This milestone reflects the trust placed in the H160’s advanced technology and adaptability.”
The H160 is one of Airbus’s latest-generation helicopters designed for a wide range of missions such as law enforcement, offshore transport, medical evacuation, and private aviation. It features reduced noise levels, improved maneuverability, and modern avionics aimed at enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
Airbus Helicopters has operated in Japan for over six decades, with around 380 aircraft currently supporting public and private missions across the country. The H160 is gaining traction in Japan, with three units already in operation, two for law enforcement and one for news gathering—and another on order for the Nagoya City Fire Bureau.