The Dutch Ministry of Defence has awarded a contract to Airbus Helicopters for 12 H-225Ms. The contract also includes an initial batch of support and services. The agreement was signed by Vice-Admiral Jan Willem Hartman, Head of the Netherlands Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT) agency, and Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters during the "Euronaval" trade show in Paris (November 4-7). 

The RNLAF currently operates Cougars from the H-215M family. The H-225Ms will be operated by the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) 300 Special Operations Squadron. Airbus Helicopters and the the RNLAF will work closely together on the development of the H-225M adapted to the requirements of the users, enhancing capabilities and efficiency for special operations missions success, through tactical communication and a unique design of interaction of the aircraft and its systems. 

The H-225M has proven its reliability and durability in combat conditions and crisis areas. Benefiting from Airbus’ continuous improvement policy, the H-225M is now equipped with new avionics, an enhanced main gear box, airborne communication systems and can be equipped with the HForce weapon system. The maximum take off weight has been increased by 160 kg to reach 11,160 kg. 

There are more than 350 H-225s and H-225Ms in service around the world, totaling more than 880,000 flight hours. Military customers include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary.