4 tons of water, 19 firefighters on board: Greece’s new giant in the air – 8 H215 helicopters ordered from Airbus

Greece has just taken a major stride in aerial firefighting by contracting eight Airbus H215 helicopters—under a GO-CO model co-financed by two EU funds—bolstering rapid deployment capabilities for high-risk missions.

A Technological Leap for Greece

Greece has just taken a major stride in aerial firefighting by signing a contract for eight Airbus H215 helicopters (with an option for two more) under its national Aegis programme, overseen by the Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection and co-financed by two EU funds¹. The deal uses a government-owned, contractor-operated (GO-CO) model: the state retains ownership, while specialist firms Airtelis and SAF Hélicoptères handle technical and operational support.

Purpose-Built for Emergency Response

Part of the proven Super Puma family—with over 1 100 units delivered² and more than 6 million flight hours logged³—the H215 is a workhorse of emergency response. Each helicopter can carry up to 19 firefighters and drop 4 tons of water in a single sortie⁴, using either a classic Bambi bucket or an integrated belly tank.

Pilots benefit from twin engines and the four-axis autopilot inherited from the H225, ensuring exceptional stability even at night. With a range of 540 nautical miles and over two hours of endurance, these helicopters can tackle multiple fire fronts without frequent refueling.

A Proven Operational Framework

Greece already operates Super Pumas within its fire brigade and air force, so integrating H215s will streamline maintenance, training, and parts logistics. In 2024, SAF Hélicoptères deployed an H215 to Greece under the RescEU mechanism, demonstrating the platform’s versatility in cross-border emergencies.

Tackling Climate-Driven Challenges

As wildfires scorch millions of hectares worldwide and Greece’s summers grow drier, the H215 fleet will significantly expand rapid-response capacity, with crews airborne within minutes. The GO-CO model accelerates mission readiness by bypassing traditional procurement cycles—a critical advantage when multiple blazes erupt across rugged terrain.

Boosting Local Industry

Beyond firefighting, this contract invests in Greece’s strategic autonomy. Technical and flight training for Greek personnel is built into the agreement, ensuring local teams master upkeep and emergency tactics. Existing maintenance hubs for the Super Puma fleet will see increased activity, fostering jobs and skills development in the domestic aerospace sector.

Leveraging Established Partnerships

By entrusting operations to Airtelis and SAF Hélicoptères—mirroring the French Civil Security model—Greece gains a turnkey solution marrying public oversight with private efficiency. This integrated approach lets government agencies focus on strategy while specialists handle flight operations, keeping communities safer and preserving Greece’s treasured landscapes.

Sources:

1. Airbus Helicopters. “Greece orders eight Airbus H215 helicopters to combat forest fires.” https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/2025-04-greece-orders-eight-airbus-h215-helicopters-to-combat-forest-fires

2. Airbus Helicopters. “H215 technical information.” https://www.airbus.com/products-services/helicopters/civil-helicopters/h215

3. Aviation24.be. “Greece orders 8 Airbus H215 helicopters to strengthen wildfire response.” https://www.aviation24.be/manufacturers/airbus/helicopters/greece-orders-8-airbus-h215-helicopters-to-strengthen-wildfire-response

4. International Association of Fire and Rescue Services. “Global firefighting report.” https://ctif.org/commissions-and-groups/ctif-center-world-fire-statistics