During French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian’s visit to Kuwait on 9 August, the Gulf nation ordered 30 H225M CARACAL multirole utility helicopters, some for the Air Force and others to be used to create a helicopter squadron for the National Guard. Incorporated with the contract is a comprehensive support and services agreement.
Kuwait thus becomes the seventh nation to order the Airbus Helicopters CARACAL, of which 138 have been ordered to date. The helicopter is the latest evolution of the SUPER PUMA and COUGAR family, for which over 500 aircraft have been sold and features significant payload capabilities and considerable operational endurance. In Kuwaiti service the CARACAL will be used in the utility/transport, medical evacuation, maritime operations and combat search and rescue (CSAR) roles.
Airbus Helicopters has a four decade long relationship with Kuwait, which has been a consistent user of the GAZELLE, PUMA and SUPER PUMA helicopters.
Image courtesy Airbus Helicopters
