In a recent interview with Zona Militar, Pierre-Marie Gout, General Manager of Airbus Helicopters South Cone, provided details about the company’s initiatives to address the needs and requirements of the armed forces and security forces in Latin America. Argentina is a key point of interest, particularly due to the Argentine Army’s project to replace its aging fleet of Bell UH-1H helicopters, for which the H145 is seen as a natural replacement.
When asked about plans for Argentina and the possibility of expanding their presence in the country, Pierre-Marie Gout explained to Zona Militar that “…the process the country is undergoing is essentially modernizing its fleet, and of course, we want to be part of those solutions… In Argentina, we see an interesting modernization process of its fleet in terms of defense. We have been suppliers for many years, still operating Lamas, Fennecs, Super Pumas…”
“…In terms of segments and niches, the H145 / Lakota is the model to replace the medium fleet, the UH Hueys, helicopters that are over 60 years old… Clearly, there is a need to start with the armed forces, and we position ourselves based on what the U.S. purchased to replace its UH, which is the H145…” added the General Manager of Airbus Helicopters South Cone.
One of the Argentine Army’s projects is the replacement of the Bell UH-1H helicopters operated by the Army Aviation Directorate, the backbone of the force currently operated in Huey and Huey II versions. Although the model is expected to remain in service for several more years, partly due to the Huey II modernization process, considering proposals like Airbus Helicopters’ could define its replacement in the medium term.
Airbus Helicopters considers the H145 / Lakota an ideal solution for the Argentine Army, as the model was not only the natural replacement for the Huey family in the U.S. Army but also has significant local experience thanks to the units operated by security forces and the commercial sector. “…Knowing that the H145 is already in Argentina, on offshore platforms. With Helicópteros Marinos, which was the first operator, they are performing excellently with an availability above 95%, as well as the Federal Police and other provinces that operate the H145, which has proven to be a great asset in public service missions…” Pierre-Marie Gout stated.
Regarding the offered helicopter, the General Manager of Airbus highlighted that “…the H145 is a model that, although lighter in terms of category, has a payload capacity that competes with helicopters in the 6-ton category. In terms of cost, versatility, and performance, we know that altitude and heat are important factors for operations in Argentina. That helicopter demonstrated in 2019 that it could land on Aconcagua… It’s the niche we are targeting in terms of defense…”
It is worth noting that in June 2006, the U.S. Army awarded Airbus a contract for the purchase of UH-72A Lakota helicopters under the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) program to replace the OH-58 and UH-1H. The H145-based model won the contract. Over the years, the project expanded to the UH-72B variant, totaling 479 units currently in service with the U.S. Army, 212 of which are operated by the National Guard. The Lakota represents the third-largest fleet in the U.S. Army.
When asked by Zona Militar about the options for a potential purchase of the H145 / Lakota, the General Manager of Airbus Helicopters South Cone highlighted that the company has significant industrial setup in America, including in Brazil and the U.S. In the latter case, with the government as one of the main H145 / Lakota clients due to more than 500 units sold.
“…There is the possibility of Argentina using a channel like Foreign Military Sale (FMS) through which helicopters could be supplied… Or, as we have always done with Argentina, using traditional channels. That will depend a bit on the requirement. We know that we are in a period where bilateral relations are good, with both destinations being Europe and the U.S…. With our counterpart’s requirement, we can activate one or the other…” explained Pierre-Marie Gout.
H215M
With the backdrop of a Letter of Intent signed with Airbus for the purchase of 12 H215M helicopters for the Argentine Army, a document signed at the Paris Air Show 2023, Zona Militar also asked the General Manager of Airbus Helicopters South Cone about the progress of this initiative.
Pierre-Marie Gout detailed to Zona Militar that the offer for the Airbus H215M remains, “…obviously the transition has led to a reassessment of priorities. We understand that today the requirement is more focused on a lighter helicopter… The offer for the H215M is still valid, but we understand that due to priorities and what we have perceived, we might be advancing more with the requirement to replace the UH in the short term…”
It is worth noting that the H215M is part of the project aimed at acquiring a total of 12 helicopters to replace the retired SA-330 Puma and the low-availability SA-332 Super Puma, aircraft that were among the most capable platforms in the Army Aviation.
Cover image for illustrative purposes. Credits: US Army – Staff Sgt. Austin Berner
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