Japan's Tokyo Fire Department has awarded Airbus Helicopters a contract for an Airbus H225 following a tender. This new helicopter will replace an older aircraft as part of the organisation's fleet modernisation strategy. This acquisition reinforces the agency's commitment to maintaining high operational readiness across critical missions including aerial firefighting, search and rescue, emergency medical service and disaster response.

“For nearly six decades, Airbus has stood alongside the Tokyo Fire Department in its unwavering commitment to public safety and disaster response,” says Jean-Luc Alfonsi, managing director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “The Tokyo Fire Department's continued trust in the H225 reflects the reliability and adaptability that our helicopters bring to every mission. With its proven versatility and endurance across all conditions, the H225 is well equipped to support its lifesaving work for years to come.”

The new H225 will be equipped to support urgent lifesaving operations with speed and precision. Its built-in search and rescue mode enables rapid target detection while onboard emergency stretchers provide immediate medical care. A belly-mounted water tank adds aerial firefighting capability for swift response during critical situations.

The Tokyo Fire Department took to the skies in 1967 with its first helicopter, an Allouette III. Since then, the agency has maintained a steadfast partnership with Airbus, operating a reliable fleet that now includes three H225s and three AS365s, all committed to safeguarding and serving the community from the air.

As the latest addition to the Super Puma family, the H225 is recognised for its high performance in challenging conditions as well as its outstanding range and payload capacity. The aircraft's state-of-the-art avionics and autopilot systems provide increased safety while reducing pilot workload.

Across Japan, 24 H225 helicopters are actively operated by the Ministry of Defence and parapublic agencies, taking on critical roles ranging from search and rescue and aerial firefighting, to VIP travel, and the transport of personnel and goods.