Brunei’s MinDef orders six Airbus H145Ms to replace retired Bo 105s

The Ministry of Defence (MinDef) of Brunei Darussalam signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters on 1 May 2024 for six H145M battlefield support helicopters, Airbus announced the following day.

The H145Ms will be used for missions such as close air support and aerial observation, replacing the Royal Brunei Air Force’s fleet of six MBB Bo 105 helicopters, which entered service in 1981 and were retired in February 2022.

“We are greatly honoured by the selection of the H145M to support the Royal Brunei Air Force’s expanded missions,” Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, was quoted as saying in a company press release. “The H145M is well regarded for its high performance and versatility, and we are confident that it will bring a step change in operational readiness to Brunei.”

The H145M is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E turboshafts with dual-channel full authority digital engine controls (FADEC) and an upgraded transmission. The aircraft is equipped with a modern digital glass cockpit that incorporates Airbus’ advanced Helionix avionics suite and is night vision goggle-compatible, while a four-axis digital autopilot drastically reduces pilot workload.

“The H145M’s power, range, endurance and payload capability provide many configuration options, especially when operating in sand and dust, and in high-and-hot conditions at altitudes of 6,000 ft and temperatures of 95°F/35°C,” Airbus states on its website.

The Brunei MinDef’s selection of the H145M follows the UK Ministry of Defence announcing on 18 April 2024 that it is procuring six Airbus H145 helicopters to provide aviation support for UK troops in Brunei and Cyprus. Unlike these aircraft, however, Brunei’s H145M military variants can be equipped with the Airbus HForce weapon system: a modular and incremental capability that can provide any military-variant Airbus helicopter with a light attack capability.

The H145M also features self-sealing fuel tanks, ballistic protection and infrared suppressors, along with crashworthiness designed into the airframe and seats.