France Leads Europe with One of the Newest and Most Advanced Helicopter Fleets

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24/7 Wall St. Insights:

• French Air and Space Force commands one of the youngest and most advanced helicopter fleets in Europe
• Notable models in France's helicopter fleet include the NH90 as well as the H725/EC725 Caracal (Super Cougar)
• The H160M Guepard will be the newest addition to the fleet in 2026, and it is a medium-lift helicopter, developed by Airbus Helicopters
• Also: Dividend Legends to Hold Forever

As one of the most powerful air forces in all of Europe, the French Air and Space Force commands one of the youngest and most advanced helicopter fleets in Europe. These helicopters fill a number of roles for the French military ranging from combat to troop transport to special operations. France's storied history in aviation has largely helped to propel the nation to aeronautical prominence, and its modernization efforts to stay on top continue especially for its helicopters. ( France reigns as Europe's premier air power. )

The modernization of France’s helicopter fleet is part of a broader effort to maintain cutting-edge capabilities within the French military. Historically, France has invested heavily in this field and it extends far beyond just helicopters. Dassault Aviation has proved effective in producing some of the most advanced aircraft on the European continent.

Notable models in France's helicopter fleet include the NH90 as well as the H725/EC725 Caracal (Super Cougar). However, newer models like the H160M Guepard are on order and expected to enter service in 2026.

For some quick background, the H160M Guepard is a medium-lift helicopter, developed by Airbus Helicopters. It can hit top speeds of just over 200 mph and comes equipped with 7.62mm machine guns, 12.7mm HMP400 machine gun pods, anti-ship missiles, and air-to-surface missiles. These helicopters are part of a larger Joint Light Helicopter program that is attempting to streamline the fleet across all military branches. (These are the fastest gunship helicopters of the modern age. )

24/7 Wall St. is taking a look at the whole of the French helicopter forces. To identify the most widely-flown helicopters in the French military, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry publication. We ordered these helicopters by how many are currently in active service. We also included supplemental data on the type of aircraft and top speed. We excluded trainer aircraft.

Here is a look at the most widely used helicopters in the French Armed Forces: Why Are We Covering This?

Understanding the aircraft in France’s Air and Space Force is important, as it is the premier air power in Europe. Each aircraft has a distinct role that it plays within the fleet, whether it’s establishing air superiority, conducting precision strikes on long-range targets, or using advanced technology to gather intelligence. Knowing the specific aircraft France operates gives context to the country’s military strategies and capabilities, making a clearer picture of how France maintains its position as a leading military power in Europe.

7. H160M Guepard

• Type: Multi-mission military helicopter
• Year introduced: 2026
• Active aircraft: 0
• Top speed: 202 mph
• Armament: 7.62mm machine guns, 7.62mm sniper rifles, 12.7mm HMP400 machine gun pods, anti-ship missiles, air-to-surface missiles

The H160M Guepard is a multi-mission military helicopter that is set to become a key asset for the French Armed Forces when it enters service in 2026. Developed by Airbus Helicopters, the Guepard is designed to perform a wide range of missions, including troop transport, reconnaissance, close air support, and anti-ship warfare. With a top speed of 202 mph, the H160M is one of the faster helicopters in the world. Its armament includes 7.62mm machine guns, 12.7mm machine gun pods, and air-to-surface missiles.

Despite no active aircraft yet, France has ordered 40 units as part of its continuing modernization efforts. These new helicopters are expected to replace many of the older helicopters like the SA330 Puma and the AS565 Panther.

6. H215 Super Puma

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