Leasing of Helicopters for Army and Air Force Pilot Training

To support the training and advanced qualification of military helicopter pilots, the German Armed Forces have concluded a helicopter leasing contract. The agreement covers the hourly leasing of Airbus H145 helicopters for the Army, as well as the leasing of helicopters without a fixed type requirement for the Air Force, combined with simulator flight hours on type-equivalent simulators.

The leased helicopters are distributed across two military locations. At Niederstetten, at least two helicopters are operated in parallel for Army training. At Holzdorf, the Air Force requires the parallel availability of at least four helicopters as well as at least one flight simulator. Both services require multiple aircraft simultaneously, as training is conducted at different locations and in class-based formats. Formation flying is also planned.

The scope of services includes refuelling, provision, maintenance and continued airworthiness management of the helicopters by the contractor at both locations. Hangar facilities are provided by the Bundeswehr at Niederstetten and Holzdorf. Daily pre- and post-flight inspections are also part of the contractor’s responsibilities.

The contract terms run from 2025 until 31 December 2026 for the Army, and from 2025 until 31 December 2027 for the Air Force.

The tender was awarded to ADAC Luftrettung gGmbH.

The first helicopter, an H145 registered D-HEMS, was transferred to Army Aviation Regiment 30 in Niederstetten on 23 December 2025.

The second aircraft, an H135 registered D-HXBC, was delivered to Helicopter Wing 64 at Holzdorf on 20 January 2026.