U.S. Customs Orders 10 Airbus H125 Helicopters

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations has ordered 10 Airbus H125 helicopters to support border security, law enforcement and public safety missions across the United States.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) has operated the AS350/H125 AStar family since the 1990s, using the light single-engine helicopter for surveillance, tactical patrol, border security and search missions across the United States.

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas — Airbus has finalized a contract with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) for the purchase of 10 H125 helicopters to support airborne law enforcement, border security and public safety missions.

The helicopters will be operated by CBP AMO across the United States as part of the agency’s fleet modernization program. Airbus said the H125 was selected for its multi-mission capabilities, operational flexibility and ability to perform in demanding environments.

Manufactured at Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Columbus, Mississippi, the H125 is equipped with a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), an engine data recorder and a dual hydraulic flight control system designed to reduce pilot workload while enhancing operational safety during complex tactical missions.

Bart Reijnen, Head of the North America Region for Airbus Helicopters, “The expansion of this H125 fleet underscores the long-standing collaboration between Airbus and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This selection highlights the trust placed in the H125 to perform critical public safety missions under demanding conditions. Airbus remains committed to supporting the agency with reliable aircraft and comprehensive services to ensure continuous mission readiness.”

Background

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations is the airborne and maritime law enforcement branch of CBP, operating one of the world’s largest government aviation fleets. Its aircraft conduct border surveillance, airborne interdiction, search and rescue, disaster response, criminal investigations and tactical support missions throughout the United States, its coastal waters and overseas operations. The Airbus H125 has served as one of the agency’s primary light helicopters for surveillance and patrol missions for more than two decades.

About Airbus: Airbus is a global aerospace company and one of the world’s leading manufacturers of commercial aircraft, helicopters, defence systems and space technologies. Airbus Helicopters designs, manufactures and supports a broad range of civil and military rotorcraft operated in more than 150 countries worldwide.