The Ministry of Defence has awarded Airbus Helicopters UK a two-year contract, valued at £33.6 million, to provide initial in-service support for the new fleet of six H145 helicopters. The contract, managed by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), will ensure the maintenance and support for the aircraft, which are designated Jupiter HC2 in UK service. This support agreement follows the original £122 million procurement contract for the aircraft, which was finalised approximately 18 months ago.
The new support contract is expected to sustain around 30 jobs, with roles distributed across Airbus facilities in Oxford, and at operational bases in Cyprus and Brunei. The Jupiter HC2 fleet will be operated by RAF 84 Squadron in Cyprus for emergency response and aerial firefighting, and by 667 Squadron of the Army Air Corps in Brunei for jungle training exercises.
This arrangement creates specific logistical and support opportunities for suppliers capable of operating in these overseas locations. The contract underscores a continued commitment to the UK’s aerospace industry and its highly skilled workforce, ensuring the necessary technical support is in place as the helicopters enter service.
The delivery programme for the Jupiter HC2 fleet is progressing at a rapid pace. The first aircraft was transferred to the MoD in May, with a further two formally handed over last week, bringing the current total to three. All six aircraft are undergoing modification work at Airbus Helicopters UK’s facilities before deployment. This phase of the programme presents potential opportunities for sub-contractors involved in avionics, mission systems, and aircraft customisation.
The initial flight trials for instructor training are scheduled to commence in the UK within the coming days. The deployment schedule indicates the first aircraft will be shipped to Brunei in February, followed by another to Cyprus in March. The MoD anticipates the entire fleet of six Jupiter HC2 helicopters will be fully operational in their respective theatres by the end of June 2026.
This accelerated timeline from contract signature to deployment highlights the efficiency of the collaboration between DE&S and Airbus, setting a benchmark for future procurement and support programmes. The new fleet will replace capabilities previously provided by the retired Puma HC2 helicopters.
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Post written by: Christian Doak
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