On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, the European company Airbus Helicopters (part of the Airbus SE Group) announced on social media that the global fleet, now numbering more than 400 helicopters from the H225 Super Puma and H225M Caracal family, has surpassed a combined total of one million flight hours.
H225M Caracal / Photo: Airbus Helicopters
The medium multirole H225 Super Puma helicopter from Airbus Helicopters (previously designated Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma) was developed as an evolution of the AS332 L2 Super Puma (now the H215 Super Puma). The prototype made its first flight on November 27, 2000, and the type entered service in December 2004. More than 175 units have been built.
A new, powerful mission and communications system provides improved situational awareness and seamless data transmission between law-enforcement forces. The helicopter also features an upgraded main gearbox and an enhanced health and usage monitoring system, increasing safety while helping reduce operating costs. With a maximum takeoff weight of 11,160 kg, the H225 offers an extended range of more than 832 km (1,107 km with external fuel tanks) and an unmatched external payload capacity of 4,750 kg—critical for missions such as disaster relief and firefighting. Airbus Helicopters’ ambition is for the model to be capable of flying on 100% sustainable aviation fuel by 2030, a milestone already demonstrated during the ILA Berlin 2022 air show.
Offering best-in-class range, speed, payload, and reliability among 11-ton twin-engine helicopters, the H225 is the latest member of the Super Puma family, which has accumulated more than 6 million flight hours worldwide in all weather conditions (including the AS332/H215 since 1978). Equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and a four-axis autopilot, the H225 delivers exceptional endurance and high cruise speed, while accommodating mission-specific equipment for a wide variety of roles (Airbus H225 Super Puma for the Korean National Police)
The H225M Caracal is the military variant of the H225 Super Puma (more precisely derived from the H215M Super Puma). Originally designated the Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, it first flew on November 27, 2000, and entered service in February 2005. Recently, new orders have been placed by Morocco (10 aircraft), the Kingdom of the Netherlands (12 newly built aircraft, instead of the 14 previously planned), and Iraq (also 12).
In addition, Caracal helicopters have been exported to Brazil, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore, Thailand, and Hungary. Poland and the United Arab Emirates withdrew from procurement plans, while Kazakhstan and India considered acquisitions but ultimately did not sign contracts. In January 2025, France began taking delivery of new helicopters (two of eight ordered). Approximately 350 H225M Caracals have been built to date.
More than 400 H225 and H225M helicopters delivered to over 40 countries. 🚁
The H225/H225M has reached a staggering 1 million flight hours! 🎯
With continuous innovations, the H225 will remain the most versatile fit for the missions of today and the challenges of tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/uAqoLoPhwU— Airbus Helicopters (@AirbusHeli) February 4, 2026