Germany's Air Force has received its first H145M light helicopters in an armed configuration, intended to reinforce the 64th Helicopter Wing based in Laupheim. The new helicopters carry the separate designation H145M LKH SOF and were built for the Air Force's special operations unit, which already operates the transport variant, the H145M LUH SOF.
The exact number of helicopters received has not been disclosed, though two aircraft are visible in imagery released by the Luftwaffe. Both are fitted with the HForce kit, comprising weapons hardpoints and an electro-optical targeting station, and were seen carrying a 20mm automatic cannon pod and a 70mm rocket launcher.
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These helicopters were ordered in December 2023, with a total of 5 units for the Air Force alongside 57 for the German Army. The Army began receiving armed H145Ms considerably earlier, in 2024. In 2025, Berlin exercised an option that brought the total contracted quantity of this model to 82 units, 72 for the Army and 10 for the Air Force's special operations element.
The specific features of the H145M LKH SOF have not been announced. The aircraft is based on the latest H145M D3 variant, featuring a five-blade rotor of reduced diameter and noise level, a maximum take-off weight of 3,800 kg, and a payload of 1,893 kg.
It is reasonable to expect that compared to standard Army H145Ms, the special operations variant will feature more extensive night-flying equipment and additional communications fit. In combat, the H145M LKH SOF's role will be broadly analogous to that of the American Boeing AH-6 Little Bird, though the H145M is larger and can accommodate 8–10 personnel in its cabin.
For reference, the helicopter is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E turboshaft engines producing up to 800 kW each, with a cruise speed of 244 km/h, a maximum range of 637 km, and an endurance of up to 3.5 hours.
The choice of the H145M was made by the Bundeswehr after a decision not to procure dedicated attack helicopters at all. Persistent problems with the Tiger initially prompted evaluation of the AH-64E Apache and AH-1Z Viper, but Germany ultimately opted for the lighter H145M as a cheaper multirole platform that could be delivered far more quickly.
Within Airbus Helicopters' portfolio, the H145 in all variants currently represents the largest share of firm orders. As of early 2026, the H145 accounted for 149 of 544 helicopters on firm order.
Airbus is also working on an unmanned version of the helicopter, the U145, which was recently unveiled at the ILA Berlin air show.
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