The first of three new Airbus H145 Jupiter HC Mk2 helicopters has completed its inaugural flight from RAF Akrotiri, marking a step forward in the UK's crisis response capability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The arrival of the H145s establishes a 24-hour-a-day, 365-days-a-year response capability in Cyprus.
The H145 can adapt to a range of mission types, including aerial firefighting, intelligence gathering and search and rescue operations.
The H145 is in service with military, emergency services, and civil operators across more than 40 countries. Its modern systems reduce both maintenance requirements and crew workload, meaning greater availability when it is needed most.
Our ability to protect and support those in Cyprus, and further afield, is a key pillar of our operations here. The arrival of the H145s in Cyprus provides the UK and its allies with modern and agile fleet capable of fulfilling diverse operational requirements year-round.
Officer Commanding 84 Squadron,
Squadron Leader Steven Bradley.
RAF 84 Squadron pilots will continue training on the new airframes in Cyprus supported by specialist Airbus engineers.
The H145s expected to takeover aerial firefighting efforts from the Chinooks currently stationed at RAF Akrotiri prior to next year’s wildfire season.
