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Greece has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of eight H215 helicopters (with an option for two additional aircraft) to support the combat of wildfires in the country.
This contract is supported by two European funds and aligns with the Ministry’s Aegis Programme aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Civil Protection forces.
The contract will be based on a “government-owned contractor operated” (GO-CO) model for which Airbus Helicopters will be partnering with experienced H215 firefighting operators, Airtelis and SAF Hélicoptères, for the technical and operational support.
“Wildfires have burned on average three to five million square kilometres globally in recent years with significant environmental consequences. It is an honour to have been selected to support the combat, with our H215 helicopters, that Greek communities face every year,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
“The H215 is used around the world for firefighting missions with its ability to drop more than four tonnes of water at a time. Relying on experienced operators, such as Airtelis and SAF Aerogroup, is exactly what the French Securité Civile does. Airbus Helicopters has been a long-standing provider of helicopters for essential missions in the country and together with our GO-CO partners, we are sure that the H215 will be a vital and reliable asset,” he added.
Airbus Helicopters has been a long-standing partner in Greece since the early 2000s in both the civil and parapublic and military sectors. The Hellenic Fire Brigade operates two Super Pumas and the Hellenic Air Force operates 12 Super Pumas. The Super Puma ecosystem in the country will benefit from the support activities and training of technicians and pilots foreseen by the contract.
The H215 is a multirole helicopter that is part of the Super Puma family, with over 1,100 helicopters delivered and more than 6 million flight hours under its belt.
It is equipped with the H225’s renowned 4-axis autopilot, which enables firefighting activities to be conducted at night as well as during the day.
The helicopter is deployed around the world for firefighting missions thanks to its range of around 540 NM, superior endurance of more than two hours, and its ability to transport 19 firefighters.
As one of the only heavy helicopters in production that is civil certified, along with its ability to be equipped with either a water bucket or a belly tank, it is the ideal complement to any country’s firefighting assets.
Greece is preparing to confront another wildfire season by deploying a record number of firefighters, the climate minister said Thursday, after a succession of previous destructive fires has ravaged big parts of the country.
Some 18,000 firefighters will be available this year, which is the highest number on record, assisted by thousands of volunteers, Civil Protection and Climate Crisis Minister Yiannis Kefaloyiannis said. Also, some 80 drones with thermal cameras -nearly double last year’s number- will be available to accelerate the detection of wildfires.
“We shouldn’t be fooled by the fact that climate conditions this year have seemed to be a little milder than in previous years,” he said. “The bad scenarios lie ahead.”
