Rabat – In a significant step to bolster its military capabilities and modernize its air fleet, Morocco has announced the signing of an agreement with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of ten H225M (Super Cougar) military helicopters, designed for search and rescue missions in combat and special operations.
According to the Spanish newspaper Teleceuta, this deal will allow the Royal Moroccan Air Force to enhance its operational capacity in the Atlantic Ocean and position the kingdom as a regional hub for the maintenance of Airbus helicopters in West Africa, by establishing a comprehensive maintenance and repair center to support the national fleet.
These new helicopters will replace the aging Puma fleet, which has been in service for over 40 years. They will be utilized for complex missions that include combat search and rescue, as well as executing special operations involving the escort of defensive weaponry and electronic warfare systems for self-protection in hostile environments.
Advantages and Features of the H225M Helicopters
The H225M helicopters have several strengths that make them the ideal choice for Moroccan forces:
High endurance and long-range capability: They can fly over 850 kilometers without refueling, enabling long-range operations in the Atlantic and the desert.
Multimission capabilities: Equipped for combat search and rescue (CSAR), troop and cargo transport, and special operations, with the ability to adapt to various air environments.
Advanced optical and electronic systems: Fitted with powerful searchlights and the Safran Euroflir 410 system for night and precision operations, with advanced thermal and visual sensing capabilities.
Defensive equipment and electronic protection: Includes machine guns and defensive weaponry, as well as electronic warfare systems for self-protection against threats.
Ease of maintenance and operation: An engineering design that simplifies maintenance operations and reduces downtime, with complete technical support from Airbus.
Teleceuta points out that these modern helicopters provide Morocco with additional strength to monitor Atlantic waters and expand its influence, particularly in sensitive areas near the Canary Islands, reflecting an important strategic dimension in the kingdom’s regional and international relations.
