Airbus Helicopters has delivered two H-225M helicopters to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA). These units are the first of eight aircraft ordered in 2021. They will be operated by the French Air and Space Force, replacing "Pumas" currently in service in overseas territories (French Guyana, Djibouti and New Caledonia) and will contribute to the harmonization of the French Air and Space Force’s helicopter fleet. They will be used for operational missions, search and rescue and utility activities. 

Like all newly built H-225Ms, the eight new units ordered by France in 2021 are equipped with state-of-the-art avionics. The French H-225Ms, also nicknamed "Caracal", are equipped with the Safran Euroflir 410 electro-optical system and the Sigma inertial navigation system. New equipment also includes the Thales VUHF radio TRA6034 and IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) transponder TSC4000. 

The H-225M has proven its reliability and durability in combat conditions and crisis areas around the world. There are more than 350 H-225s and H-225Ms in service, totalling more than 880,000 flight hours. Military customers include France, Malaysia, Indonesia, Iraq, Thailand, Singapore, Mexico, the Netherlands, Kuwait, Brazil, and Hungary.