The first of three new Airbus H145 Jupiter HC Mk2 helicopters completed its maiden flight from RAF Akrotiri, marking a significant step towards strengthening the United Kingdom's operational capability to respond to crises in the Eastern Mediterranean, according to an announcement by the British Bases.
Round-the-clock capability
The Bases said the arrival of the H145 helicopters establishes an operational response capability in Cyprus on a 24-hour basis, 365 days a year. The H145 is described as a flexible and highly capable platform that can be adapted to a wide range of missions, including aerial firefighting, intelligence gathering and search and rescue operations.
"It is one of the most widely used helicopters in its class, in service with military forces, emergency services and civilian operators in more than 40 countries. Its modern systems reduce both maintenance requirements and crew workload, ensuring increased availability when it is needed most," the Bases noted.
'A modern and flexible fleet'
The Commander of the RAF's 84 Squadron, Squadron Leader Steven Bradley, said: "Our ability to protect and support those in Cyprus, and beyond, is a key pillar of our operations. The arrival of the H145 helicopters in Cyprus provides the United Kingdom and its allies with a modern and flexible fleet, capable of responding to a wide range of operational requirements throughout the year."
The pilots of 84 Squadron will continue their training on the new helicopters in Cyprus with the support of specialist Airbus engineers. The H145s are expected to take over aerial firefighting missions from the Chinook helicopters currently stationed at RAF Akrotiri before the start of the next fire season.
