Airbus H160M

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.