Dutch Defence Procures H225M Caracal Helicopters

H225M Caracal [Dutch MoD press release image]

Dutch Defence will have twelve H225M Caracal helicopters from 2030 ~ this was contractually agreed today with manufacturer Airbus Helicopters.

Press Release, The Hague, 05 November 2024: [auto-translated] Defence will have twelve H225M Caracal helicopters from 2030. The last aircraft will be delivered in 2032. This was contractually agreed today with manufacturer Airbus Helicopters. This took place at the largest maritime defence exhibition in the world, Euronaval 2024 in Paris.

The Caracals are specifically equipped for Special Operations. They can of course also be deployed for regular land and maritime operations. The new helicopters will replace the Cougar transport helicopters of the Defence Helicopter Command. The operational lifespan of the old aircraft will be extended so that they can be deployed until 2030.

The choice for the Caracal was made in 2023. A critical study preceded this. The Caracal appeared to meet all requirements. After this, the final configuration was determined with Airbus Helicopters. The requirements for the new helicopter were further elaborated over the past year. Not only the wishes of the Special Operations Command were listened to. Those of the air force, navy, army and military police were also taken into account.

Library image of a French Special Forces H225M Caracal [© Bob Morrison]

Twelve Caracals: Defence intended to purchase 14 of these Medium Utility Helicopters (MUH). However, during the procurement phase it became apparent that the budget did not allow this. This was partly because the required mission equipment turned out to be more expensive than expected. That is why Defence is now purchasing twelve Caracals. With twelve Caracals, one SOF mission can be supported for a long period and possibly a second SOF mission for a short period.

Commander of the Materiel Command and IT Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman and CEO Bruno Even of Airbus signed the contract. This took place under the watchful eye of State Secretary of Defence Gijs Tuinman.

New Squadron: The twelve H225M Caracal helicopters will be housed in the recently established 300 Special Operations Squadron. Together with colleagues from the Korps Commandotroepen and the Maritime Special Operations Forces, the personnel will perform special reconnaissance, offensive support and military support. Just like the Cougars, the aircraft will be based at Gilze-Rijen Air Base.