COLUMBUS, Mississippi — Airbus has signed a contract with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Air and Marine Operations (AMO) to supply 10 H125 light single-engine helicopters, expanding the agency's aviation fleet for homeland security, law enforcement, border security, and public safety missions across the United States.
The acquisition is part of CBP's ongoing fleet modernization program, which aims to provide aircrews with modern, reliable, and multi-role aircraft capable of operating in demanding environments. The new helicopters will strengthen the agency's rotary-wing fleet and support rapid response operations along U.S. borders and at ports of entry.
The Airbus H125 is one of the most widely used light single-engine helicopters in the world and has an established role in airborne law enforcement operations across North America. The aircraft is designed to perform in a wide range of weather and environmental conditions, making it suitable for homeland security missions that require reliable performance in challenging operating environments.
For CBP Air and Marine Operations, the H125 provides good external visibility and multi-mission flexibility, allowing crews to carry out routine aerial patrols, surveillance, and more complex tactical operations using the same platform. The helicopter is also designed to deliver these capabilities while maintaining relatively low operating costs.
The 10 helicopters will be equipped with several standard safety systems, including a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system, an onboard engine data recorder, and a dual hydraulic flight control system. These features are intended to reduce pilot workload and improve operational safety during demanding missions.
The aircraft will be manufactured at Airbus' helicopter production facility in Columbus, Mississippi, supporting domestic production for the U.S. government order.
Commenting on the agreement, Bart Reijnen, Head of the North America Region for Airbus Helicopters, said the expansion of the H125 fleet reflects the long-standing collaboration between Airbus and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He said the selection demonstrates the agency's confidence in the H125 for critical public safety missions and added that Airbus will continue providing aircraft support and services to help maintain mission readiness.
Air and Marine Operations, the aviation and maritime law enforcement branch of CBP, uses helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to support border security, law enforcement, surveillance, search operations, and emergency response missions throughout the United States. The addition of the new H125 helicopters will increase the agency's operational capacity while supporting its long-term goal of maintaining a modern and effective aviation fleet.
The H125 continues to be widely used by government agencies, law enforcement organizations, emergency medical services, utility operators, and commercial customers worldwide due to its versatility and ability to operate in diverse environments. The latest order further expands its role within CBP's airborne operations as the agency continues to modernize its aviation capabilities.
Airbus has not announced a delivery timeline for the helicopters. The final delivery schedule and aircraft configuration will be coordinated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection as part of the contract implementation.
Source: m.in.investing
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