The UK’s Joint Aviation Command has welcomed its first of six Jupiter HC2 helicopters — based on the Airbus H145 — into service, moving closer to supporting British forces overseas.
Airbus Helicopters UK delivered the first chopper to the UK Ministry of Defence in May, followed by two more in December. The remaining three helicopters are expected to join the fleet by early 2026, ultimately replacing the aging Bell 212, Bell 412, and Puma helicopters.
The first Jupiter HC2 has already begun pilot and crew training at RAF Benson in preparation for operational deployment.
The helicopters are expected to be deployed to Brunei with 667 Squadron for jungle training and to Cyprus with RAF 84 Squadron for emergency response and aerial firefighting operations.
All six Jupiter HC2 helicopters are expected to be fully operational in-theater by the end of June 2026.
Procurement of the six-unit H145 D3 fleet was finalized in April 2024 under a 122-million-pound ($164 million) contract. Half of the fleet was delivered a little over a year later, supporting the British Forces’ rotary wing operations and global overseas presence.
“Delivering the first aircraft, in under two years, to fill critical capability gaps is a testament to the outstanding collaboration between the UK Armed Forces, DE&S and Airbus Helicopters UK,” said Group Captain James Brooks, Senior Responsible Owner for Jupiter HC2.
In December 2025, UK Defence Equipment and Support awarded Airbus Helicopters a two-year 33.6-million-pound ($45.3 million) contract for initial support and service of the six Jupiter HC2 fleet.
The H145 D3
The latest H145 variant features a five-bladed main rotor, increasing the chopper’s payload capacity by 150 kilograms (330 pounds) and improving reliability and comfort for crew and passengers.
It is fitted with a Helionix digital avionics suite, which includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot to enhance safety while reducing pilot workload.
It is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines with FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control).
