Airbus Helicopters has signed a contract with the Ministry of Defence of Brunei (MINDEF) for the acquisition of six H145M helicopters.
The aircraft will replace the Royal Brunei Air Force's (RBAF) six BO 105 helicopters which were withdrawn from service in 2022. The new H145Ms will be introduced into service gradually from 2026 according to Brunei's MINDEF.
Brunei’s H145Ms will be used to enhance the air force’s operational capabilities for missions including close air support, aerial observation and various other operations according to Airbus.
Brunei selected the H145M under Phase B of its Support Helicopter Project. The country previously acquired 12 S-70I Blackhawks through Phase A of the same program in the early 2010s.
“We are greatly honoured by the selection of the H145M to support the Royal Brunei Air Force’s expanded missions,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “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.”
In April 2024 the UK Ministry Defence announced that it was procuring six H145 aircraft for service with British forces in Brunei and Cyprus. While the aircraft are of a different configuration to those being procured for Cyprus, they share several key components such as their engines, offering some commonality with Brunei's new helicopters.