Romania is strengthening its emergency response and public safety capabilities through the acquisition of 12 Airbus Helicopters, comprising seven H160s and five H145s.

The investment forms part of the European Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative and will support the country's efforts to modernise civil protection, emergency management and public order operations.

The aircraft will be operated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs' General Inspectorate of Aviation under the coordination of the Department for Emergency Situations (DSU).

Four H160 helicopters will be assigned to civil protection and disaster relief duties, while the remaining three will support public order, aerial surveillance and tactical security missions. The five H145s will join the SMURD emergency rescue service and mountain rescue network, providing rapid medical intervention, aeromedical evacuation and search-and-rescue capability.

The acquisition is expected to improve operational readiness and shorten emergency response times while strengthening Romania's contribution to wider European rescue and security frameworks.

The H145 is widely used for emergency medical services worldwide and features Airbus' Helionix avionics suite, four-axis autopilot and twin Safran Arriel 2E engines. More than 1,800 H145 family helicopters are in service globally, accumulating over 8.5 million flight hours.

The H160 brings a larger multirole capability with advanced avionics, extended range and a spacious cabin designed for demanding operational environments. Its Blue Edge main rotor blades and canted Fenestron tail rotor significantly reduce noise levels, while Safran Arrano engines help lower fuel consumption.

Airbus has maintained a presence in Romania for more than two decades through helicopter support activities, defence and space operations and commercial aircraft manufacturing programmes.