France's New H160M 'Guépard' Military Helicopter Takes First Flight

France has just taken a major step forward in modernizing its military aviation. On July 24, the H160M “Guépard”, France’s next-generation military helicopter, completed its first flight at Airbus Helicopters’ Marignane facility, marking a key moment in the country's efforts to upgrade its airborne capabilities.

So, what makes the Guépard truly “next-generation”?

Built under France’s Light Joint Helicopter (HIL) program, the Guépard isn’t just another combat chopper—it’s a modular, multi-role aircraft that will serve all three branches of the French Armed Forces: the Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force. This helicopter is based on the civilian H160 airframe, but it has been transformed into a military powerhouse with cutting-edge tech.

It features resilient navigation systems and secure radio communications designed to keep working even in the middle of electronic warfare or jammed environments. That means it can coordinate with drones, gather intelligence, and conduct surveillance even under tough conditions—making it ideal for modern battlefields.

The Guépard is also incredibly flexible. It can be used for a wide range of missions: combat, intelligence gathering, maritime and aerial surveillance, light transport, and even civil support. The idea is to have one helicopter platform that can do the job of many, reducing training time and streamlining logistics across different military services.

According to France’s defense procurement agency, Direction générale de l’armement (DGA), 169 Guépards will be built under the current defense plan (LPM 2024–2030). The French Army will get 80, the Navy will receive 49, and the Air and Space Force will operate 40.

While this was just a first flight, more test flights and system integration work are planned in the coming months. The goal is to get the helicopter ready for operational deployment soon, boosting France’s ability to respond quickly to threats at home and abroad.

In short, the H160M Guépard is not just a new helicopter—it’s a new way of thinking about military airpower. By blending modern design, multi-mission capability, and advanced communications tech, France is preparing its armed forces for the complex challenges of tomorrow.