RAF in Cyprus receive two HC Mk2s

Image courtesy NAD

As part of a £148 million UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) programme that has gone from contract to operational capability in just two years, the aircraft will take on a wide range of tasks including emergency response, aerial firefighting, troop transport, medical evacuation and intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance, fulfilling the requirements previously carried out by the retired Puma HC2s and before that the Griffin.

The delivery forms part of a six-helicopter contract placed by the MoD, supporting 250 UK jobs at Airbus in Oxford. 

A further two aircraft are concurrently being operated in Brunei by the Army Air Corps’ 667 Squadron. A support contract with Airbus directly supports around 30 further highly skilled UK jobs, 10 of which will be deployed to Cyprus and eight to Brunei with the remaining 12 based at Airbus in Oxford.

Mark Langrill, Director Rotary Wing and Uncrewed Air Systems at the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, said: “Two years from contract signature to aircraft on the ground in Cyprus is a proud achievement for all involved. The H145 programme clearly demonstrates our ability to safely deliver a modern and reliable capability at pace whilst providing value for money and meeting the needs of our Armed Forces. This can only be achieved by the collaborative efforts of everyone across the MoD and support from industry.”

With two aircraft now delivered to Cyprus and two to Brunei, the programme is well on track, with the remaining aircraft for each location due to be delivered by the end of July. 

Gp Capt J Brooks OBE MA MSc BEng(Hons) CEng FIMechE, Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) said: “Seeing the Jupiter HC Mk2 in Cyprus marks a significant milestone for Defence. The H145 platform delivers a modern, versatile capability that strengthens support to British Forces Cyprus, while contributing to the wider modernisation and rationalisation of our rotary-wing fleet.”

The Jupiter HC Mk2 also advances the UK’s Defence Rotary Wing Strategy, rationalising helicopter types across the fleet to reduce complexity, improve interoperability and drive down whole-life costs.

Richard Atack, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in the UK, said: “With the addition of this six aircraft contract, the UK MoD will have a total fleet of 13 H145 across training and operational roles, demonstrating the growing trust in Airbus Helicopters’ ability to deliver best-in-class aircraft on time and cost.”