Announced March 2017, the H160 Military variant planned for the French Armed Forces, 400 expected to be delivered under the Hélicoptère Interarmées Léger (HIL) program with first deliveries scheduled for 2026.
Capable of carrying 2 pilots + 5 troops or 2 stretchers with a max take off weight of 6,050 kgs / 13338 lbs and a range of 850 km / 528 miles
On May 2019 was designated as Guépard ( Cheetah ) and delivery plans announced comprising 80 for Army (to replace Fennec and Gazelle ), 49 for Navy (Dauphin, Panther, Lynx, Alouette III) and 40 for Air Force (Fennec)
The H160M had its maiden flight on July 24, 2025 at Marignane. First deliveries are expected to begin in 2028.
As of January 2026, the Airbus H160M Guépard is currently in its flight test campaign following the maiden flight of its first prototype in July 2025. Developed for the French Joint Light Helicopter (HIL) program, the aircraft is undergoing performance and weapons validation using three dedicated prototypes. Designed to replace five aging fleets across the French Army, Navy, and Air Force, the H160M features advanced Thales FlytX avionics and modular weapon systems. Serial production is underway, with the first of 169 planned deliveries scheduled for 2028.
Capable of carrying 2 pilots + 5 troops or 2 stretchers with a max take off weight of 6,050 kgs / 13338 lbs and a range of 850 km / 528 miles
On May 2019 was designated as Guépard ( Cheetah ) and delivery plans announced comprising 80 for Army (to replace Fennec and Gazelle ), 49 for Navy (Dauphin, Panther, Lynx, Alouette III) and 40 for Air Force (Fennec)
The H160M had its maiden flight on July 24, 2025 at Marignane. First deliveries are expected to begin in 2028.
As of January 2026, the Airbus H160M Guépard is currently in its flight test campaign following the maiden flight of its first prototype in July 2025. Developed for the French Joint Light Helicopter (HIL) program, the aircraft is undergoing performance and weapons validation using three dedicated prototypes. Designed to replace five aging fleets across the French Army, Navy, and Air Force, the H160M features advanced Thales FlytX avionics and modular weapon systems. Serial production is underway, with the first of 169 planned deliveries scheduled for 2028.
H160M News |
Airbus H160M Completed First Flight
24-Jul-25 - The Airbus H160M Guépard (Cheetah), the militarised version of the H160 for the French Armed Forces, completed its first flight at Marignane. Scheduled to begin deliveries in 2028 #H160M
French Air Force and Space H160M at Paris Air Show
23-Jun-23 - The French Air Force and Space featured the Airbus H160M Cheetah (Gepard) at the Paris Air Show 2023 as an opportunity to present the future light joint helicopter (HIL) of the Armed Forces #PAS2023
Cobham Audio/Radio Systems for Airbus H160M
04-Apr-23 - Cobham will supply to integrated audio / radio management system for the French Armed Forces future military helicopter Airbus H160M #H160M
Iridium Certus SatCom for H160M
12-Jul-22 - Airbus selected the SKYTRAC Iridium Certus Solution for the French Armed Forces future helicopter H160M #H160M
Safran SkyNaute Navigation System for H160M
14-Jun-22 - Safran Electronics & Defense to provide its SkyNaute navigation system to equip the Airbus H160M Guépard helicopters for French Armed Forces #H160M| More News ... |  |
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List of Operators of H160M |
| Years | Model | Org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018- | H160 |  Airbus Helicopters France | |
| 2027 | Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre | ||
| 2028 | Armée de l'Air | ||
| 2028 | Aéronautique Navale |
Global Distribution of H160M |
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Construction Numbers |
| C/N | Year | History | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2025 | F-WAFM | ||
| ? | ||||
