Netherlands Confirms a Reduced Order of H225M Caracal Helicopters for Special Forces
In a letter to the House of Representatives, the new State Secretary for Defence, Gijs Tuinman, confirmed on October 16, 2024, the project to purchase 12 Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters, with a contract signing planned no later than November 2024. This announcement marks a significant revision to the acquisition program, initially set to procure 14 helicopters. The project is now reduced to 12 units, with deliveries extended over time.
This adjustment, implemented due to budget constraints and specific requirements of the special operations forces, aims to tailor each helicopter to the missions of the elite 300 Special Operations Squadron. This compromise allows for the replacement of the aging Cougar helicopters, in service since 1996, though the first Caracals are only expected to arrive by early 2030. Full fleet delivery is projected for 2032, two years behind the initially planned schedule.
The H225M Caracal, originally known as the Eurocopter EC725, is a medium-sized, twin-engine military helicopter developed by Airbus Helicopters. Derived from the Cougar Mk2 model, the Caracal meets the demands of combat search and rescue (CSAR), special operations, and tactical transport missions. After its maiden flight in November 2000, it entered service with the French Air Force in 2005. Its versatility and advanced avionics have since made it popular with military forces worldwide, including in Brazil, Malaysia, and Singapore.
The H225M Caracal can carry up to 29 soldiers or a combination of personnel and cargo, with a total payload capacity of up to 4,750 kg for underslung loads. Inspired by the Cougar family, it incorporates several enhancements, such as a five-blade main rotor and a reinforced transmission gearbox, which increase its payload capacity, range, and speed. Powered by two Safran Makila 2A1 turboshaft engines, each delivering 2,382 horsepower, the helicopter reaches a maximum speed of 324 km/h. It has a range of around 1,200 kilometers with additional fuel tanks and can operate at altitudes up to 6,095 meters (20,000 feet), making it suitable for high-altitude missions. The cabin can be configured for various missions, including medical evacuations, with space to accommodate up to 11 stretchers.
Equipped with advanced avionics, the H225M Caracal features a digital cockpit with multifunction displays, a digital map, and an autopilot system that eases pilot workload and supports operations in challenging environments. The five-blade main rotor is designed to optimize lift and reduce vibrations, ensuring stable flight performance. The helicopter has been deployed in several notable missions, such as evacuations during the 2006 Lebanon conflict and support operations in Afghanistan. Its international adoption is highlighted by orders like Brazil’s purchase of 50 units.
According to the Ministry of Defence, the decision to reduce the order was necessary to remain within the allocated budget, which ranges between 1 and 2.5 billion euros. Customization and adaptation costs for the Caracal to meet the unique demands of special operations have been higher than anticipated. This adjustment, communicated to Dutch parliament members, shows the need for various contracts to equip the helicopter with advanced mission systems. Although Airbus Helicopters remains the program’s primary contractor, the Dutch Defence Ministry also plans complementary contracts to equip nine of the helicopters with specific capabilities.
Among the selected suppliers, Israel’s Elbit Systems will provide a proven self-protection suite already installed on the Gulfstream G650ER and future C390M transport aircraft for Dutch Defence. This suite will enhance the Caracal’s survivability against modern threats. Additionally, radio equipment from the American group L3 Harris will be integrated through the Foxtrot program, ensuring secure communications and improved interoperability with allied forces. Airbus Helicopters, in partnership with the Netherlands and Germany, is also developing a new mission computer to centralize all data flows in a single display, facilitating real-time decision-making.
The acquisition of these helicopters includes infrastructure and training programs. Next-generation simulators will be implemented through a separate program starting next year, aiming to increase training hours from 700 for the current Cougar fleet to between 2,000 and 3,000 for the Caracal, preserving the aircraft while enhancing pilot and operator readiness for critical missions.
This adjustment will impact the operational capacity of the 300 Special Operations Squadron. While the initial plan anticipated the ability to conduct two simultaneous missions over six months, the current configuration limits capacity to one long-term mission, with a second short-term mission possible if needed. This change reflects Defence’s intent to maximize capabilities within budget constraints, taking into account rising integration costs and logistical challenges.
Anticipated delivery delays also stem from technical challenges associated with integrating numerous mission systems and high demand on Caracal’s production lines internationally. The Dutch Ministry of Defence acknowledges that further delays cannot be ruled out, though contractual safeguards aim to minimize this risk. In the worst case, an extension of the Cougar helicopters’ operational life may be considered to offset scheduling delays. With the acquisition’s preparatory phase now complete, a final agreement with Airbus Helicopters is expected next month.