Nagoya City Fire Bureau has ordered an H160 from Airbus Helicopters. The aircraft will support firefighting, search and rescue and disaster response operations, including reconnaissance of disaster-hit areas.

It will be configured for search and rescue and aerial firefighting, with options to fit a belly-mounted water tank or firefighting bucket for wildfire suppression.

One of the bureau’s two AS365N3s will be retired once the H160 enters service. The bureau’s first helicopter was an Alouette III, introduced in 1973.

Jean-Luc Alfonsi, managing director of Airbus Helicopters Japan, says: “We are honoured that our long-standing customer Nagoya City Fire Bureau has selected the H160 for its vital missions. This game-changing helicopter redefines safety, performance and design, ideally suited for demanding work of the bureau. We're confident it will make a meaningful impact and we remain fully committed to supporting its operations and deepening our partnership.”

Airbus has around 380 helicopters in Japan, supporting a wide range of roles. Three H160s are already flying in the country, with two used in law enforcement and one for news gathering.