Upcoming Airbus H160M on Track for 2028 Deliveries | Aviation International News

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Upcoming Airbus H160M on Track for 2028 Deliveries

First prototype has clocked up more than 72 flight hours to date

H160M first prototype mid flight — The militarized H160M “Guépard” prototype made its first flight in July 2025. © Airbus Helicopters

By Charlotte Bailey • News Reporter

March 7, 2026

With the development of Airbus Helicopters’ H160M Guépard (Cheetah) intensifying, the OEM is on track to deliver its inaugural units to the French armed forces in 2028. Airbus is also proclaiming the ongoing flight-test campaign to be “a very good start for the military.”

Speaking at a pre-Verticon press briefing in Marignane, H160 program head Benoit Klein explained that Airbus is “very happy about the behavior of the aircraft.” The first prototype—which surpassed 72 flight hours as of late February—has already conducted a “mini cold campaign” in the French Alps, as well as testing the type’s electromagnetic capability in proximity to French naval vessels.

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H160

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