Airbus Helicopters has handed over the first of six H145 helicopters to the UK Ministry of Defence. The aircraft to be known as the Jupiter HC2 in UK service, will be operated by 84 Squadron and 667 Squadron in Cyprus and Brunei, respectively.

The first Jupiter HC2, ZZ145 (c/n 21317), was handed over at a ceremony on May 12 at Airbus Helicopters’ UK facility at London Oxford Airport. The aircraft was then flown to QinetiQ Boscombe Down where it will undergo test and evaluation ahead of eventual deployment to Brunei and Cyprus.

The first aircraft was accepted by Group Captain Rob Hart, the Senior Responsible Owner for H145, at Airbus’s Oxford site. He commented: “The delivery of the first of these versatile aircraft is testament to the outstanding teamwork between UK Armed Forces, DE&S and Airbus Helicopters UK. Investment in this exciting capability also reaffirms our commitment to Cyprus and Brunei, where from 2026 the RAF’s 84 Sqn and 667 Sqn of the Army Air Corps will conduct vital tasks in support of Defence requirements.

Gp Capt Hart added: “Jupiter HC2 will provide aviation support to both locations, in particular enabling jungle warfare training in Brunei and aerial firefighting in Cyprus. We look forward to fielding the fleet for training later this year and working with Airbus over the years to come as they continue to support the aircraft in service.”

The half dozen Jupiters were ordered by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) little more than 12 months ago to fulfil the operational requirements vacated following the Puma HC2’s retirement in March which have since been covered by Chinooks deployed to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

The Puma HC2 itself took on aerial firefighting roles in Cyprus and jungle training missions in Brunei following the phasing out of Army Air Corps (AAC) Bell 212s and RAF Griffin HAR2 helicopters in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Air Commodore Gareth Bryant, DE&S Head Helicopters 2, said: “With the decision to retire the Puma HC Mk2 after over 50 years of service, the imperative to deliver a replacement helicopter for Brunei and Cyprus increased in importance.

“Already set extremely challenging timescales, the DE&S Multi Helicopter Platform Delivery Team has worked collaboratively with Army Capability and Airbus Helicopters UK to rapidly deliver the first aircraft.

“We are delighted the first of these impressive new aircraft has now been delivered to commence test and evaluation in what has been a truly successful joint team effort. We look forward to the continued joint success of the programme and supporting the aircraft together in theatre for years to come.”