Greece Orders Eight Airbus H215 Helicopters to Fight Forest Fires

Greece Orders Eight Airbus H215 Helicopters to Bolster Wildfire Response

Athens, 30 April 2025 – The Hellenic Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has formalized a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of eight H215 helicopters, with an option to purchase two additional units. This procurement forms a critical part of Greece’s strategic initiative to enhance its wildfire response capabilities amid escalating climate challenges and increasingly severe forest fires. The agreement, secured through a competitive tender process overseen by Growthfund’s Project Preparation Facility and supported by two European funds, represents a cornerstone of the Ministry’s Aegis Programme, which aims to modernize the nation’s civil protection infrastructure.

Strategic Partnership and Operational Framework

The contract is established under a “government owned, contractor operated” (GO-CO) model, whereby Airbus Helicopters will collaborate closely with experienced firefighting operators Airtelis and SAF Hélicoptères. This partnership ensures both technical and operational support, drawing on a model successfully implemented by France’s Securité Civile to guarantee rapid deployment and efficient helicopter utilization during emergency operations.

Panagiotis Stampoulidis, Deputy CEO of Growthfund, highlighted the contract’s significance as the largest under the Aegis National Programme, emphasizing that the swift and transparent tender process reflects Greece’s firm commitment to strengthening its civil protection capabilities in response to the climate crisis. Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, underscored the global scale of wildfire devastation and the proven effectiveness of the H215 helicopter. He noted that the aircraft’s ability to deliver over four tonnes of water per sortie makes it an indispensable tool in firefighting missions worldwide. The collaboration with Airtelis and SAF Aerogroup, both renowned for their expertise in complex helicopter operations, is expected to bring world-class proficiency to Greece’s wildfire response efforts.

Integration, Capabilities, and Challenges

SAF Aerogroup, with extensive experience in mountain rescue and humanitarian missions, has recently deployed H215 helicopters to Greece under the RescEU initiative. Airtelis, with over six decades of operational history, has evolved from supporting power grid maintenance to providing emergency response services at both national and international levels.

The newly acquired H215 helicopters will complement Greece’s existing Super Puma fleet, which currently comprises two aircraft operated by the Hellenic Fire Brigade and twelve by the Hellenic Air Force. The contract also includes comprehensive training and support programs designed to develop local pilot and technician expertise, facilitating a seamless operational transition.

The H215, a member of the Super Puma family, is renowned for its robust design, extended range, and versatility across various missions including utility, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance. Its introduction is expected to significantly enhance Greece’s emergency response capabilities and resilience amid intensifying climate-related threats.

Officials have acknowledged potential challenges such as supply chain disruptions and budgetary pressures that could impact delivery schedules and overall costs. Nevertheless, the announcement has been positively received in financial markets, with Airbus shares experiencing an uptick. Industry analysts suggest that this contract may encourage competitors to pursue similar agreements in other fire-prone regions, reflecting a broader European and global trend toward modernizing aerial firefighting fleets. Through this initiative, Greece not only strengthens its ability to protect communities and natural environments but also sets a precedent for coordinated, technologically advanced responses to environmental emergencies.