Airbus Helicopters Reports 20% Order Jump as Global Defence Demand Peaks

MARIGNANE, FRANCE – Propelled by a historic surge in European defence spending and the successful global rollout of its next-generation platforms, Airbus Helicopters has reported a banner year for 2025. As of today, January 26, 2026, the manufacturer officially logged 544 gross orders (536 net), representing an approximate 20% increase in unit bookings compared to the previous year.

The company also defied persistent global supply chain headwinds to increase its delivery tempo, handing over 392 helicopters in 2025, an 8.5% rise over the 361 units delivered in 2024. These results underscore a profound shift in the rotorcraft market, as sovereign nations prioritise fleet modernisation in an increasingly volatile geopolitical climate.

Military Dominance and the "Spanish Century" Deal

While Airbus maintained its leadership in the civil market with a 51% market share, the standout story of 2025 was the expansion of its military portfolio, which grew to a 28% global market share.

The performance was anchored by a landmark sovereign commitment from Spain, which placed a massive order for 100 helicopters in December 2025. This multi-role procurement includes:

50 H145Ms for tactical lift and support.

31 NH90s to be distributed across all three branches of the Spanish Armed Forces.

The first definitive orders for the H175M, the militarised variant of the super-medium twin.

Germany also reinforced its "Leichter Kampfhubschrauber" (LKH) program with 20 additional H145Ms, while Morocco and Iraq solidified the heavy-lift segment with new contracts and first deliveries of the H225M.

Technological Milestones

2025 served as a pivotal year for innovation, marked by the unveiling of the H140, a next-generation light twin-engine helicopter. Debuting at VERTICON 2025, the H140 features a distinctive T-tail configuration and has already secured 61 firm orders from launch customers, including DRF Luftrettung and ADAC.

In the medium-twin segment, the H160 achieved several "firsts":

U.S. Energy Sector: The H160 officially began offshore operations in the United States with PHI Aviation, proving its efficiency in the Gulf of Mexico.

Law Enforcement: The first H160 in a law enforcement configuration was delivered to the French Gendarmerie Nationale.

Military Evolution: The militarised H160M "Guépard" completed its maiden flight in July 2025, keeping the French Joint Light Helicopter (HIL) program on schedule.

“Airbus Helicopters' outstanding performance in 2025, marked by an order intake increase close to 20% in units, demonstrates that our modern civil and military portfolios are delivering the precise mission capabilities required in today's complex environment,” stated Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.

Industrial Expansion and Leadership Transition

To support the unprecedented demand, Airbus is aggressively expanding its global industrial base. In the coming weeks, the company will inaugurate its fourth H125 Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Vemagal, India. This facility is a cornerstone of the "Make in India" initiative and will serve as a hub for regional supply chain resilience.

The release of these results also marks a poignant moment for the company's leadership. After seven years at the helm, Bruno Even will step down in April 2026. He will be succeeded by Matthieu Louvot, currently Executive Vice President of Programs, ensuring continuity as the company ramps up production to meet its record backlog.

Commenting on the resurgence of the heavy-lift family, Even added:

“It’s really a strong performance [from the Super Puma], confirming that this helicopter is really well positioned and meeting well the demand of our customers.”