The Hellenic Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters to purchase eight H215 helicopters, with an option for two more. The aircraft will support Greece’s wildfire response and civil protection capabilities.

The deal was finalised following a tender managed by the Project Preparation Facility of Growthfund, the National Fund of Greece. It is supported by two European funds and forms part of the Aegis national programme. The helicopters will operate under a government-owned contractor-operated (GO-CO) model, with Airbus partnering with Airtelis and SAF Helicopteres for operational and technical support.

Panagiotis Stampoulidis, deputy CEO of Growthfund, says: “The signing of the contract for the purchase of new H215 helicopters represents an important step in our efforts to mitigate the devastating consequences of the climate crisis in our country. This is the largest contract signed under the Aegis national programme to bolster the civil protection mechanism in Greece with modern equipment.”

Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, says: “It is an honour to have been selected to support the combat, with our H215 helicopters, that Greek communities face every year.” He adds: “Relying on experienced operators, such as Airtelis and SAF Aerogroup, is exactly what the French Securité Civile does. Together with our GO-CO partners, we are sure that the H215 will be a vital and reliable asset.”

SAF Aerogroup is known for complex operations such as mountain rescue and firefighting, and deployed H215s to Greece under RescEU in 2024. Airtelis, with roots in powerline support, has expanded into emergency response including firefighting.

Airbus Helicopters has supported Greek operations since the early 2000s. The Hellenic Fire Brigade and Hellenic Air Force already operate Super Pumas, which will benefit from the training and support included in the deal.

The H215 is part of the Super Puma family, civil-certified and in global use for firefighting missions. It can carry over four tonnes of water, fly more than 540 nm and transport up to 19 firefighters, with day and night capability enabled by its four-axis autopilot.