Airbus Helicopters and Babcock have been awarded a contract to support 48 EC-145s operated by the French Ministry of Interior. The 12 year contract that starts this year was signed with the Direction de la Maintenance Aéronautique (DMAé), the organisation in charge of maintenance for aircraft operated by the French Government.

The agreement covers the 33 EC-145s operated by the Sécurité Civile and the 15 EC-145s operated by the Gendarmerie air forces that are spread across 41 bases in France, including five ones in French overseas territories. The contract covers technical support (including industry technical representatives working on site), supply of spare parts, logistics solutions (transport of spares and stock management), technical data management and software support. 
 
Both industries will ensure that the Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie EC-145s are available for their critical missions serving the French population. Securité Civile and Gendarmerie aircraft are used for search and rescue, emergency medical services and fire fighting missions. The Gendarmerie EC-145s are also engaged in law enforcement operations. 
 
 Airbus is also committed to the renewal of the Sécurité Civile and Gendarmerie’s fleet of helicopters. Sécurité Civile already operates four new H-145s ordered in 2021, which are also supported by both industries. In late 2023, a contract was signed for 42 units for the French Ministry of Interior (36 for the Sécurité Civile and six for the Gendarmerie). Aircraft deliveries will start in 2024.