In close collaboration with the French Armament General Directorate (DGA), the H160M Guépard has just reached a major milestone by completing its very first firing campaign at its flight test site in Cazaux (Gironde) in southwest France.

This series of live-fire tests successfully validated the integration of the H160M’s weaponry and self-protection system. Teams from Airbus and the DGA tested flare dispensing, 12.7 mm gun pods and door-mounted light weapons, including machine guns and sniper rifles.

It also included the first flight tests of the mission assistant, a computer system connected to all the aircraft's sensors, communication systems, and weapons, designed to optimize crew performance.

Beyond firepower, the "Guépard" stands out with an advanced mission assistant and deep system integration, maximizing the performance of its sensors and weapons. Designed for high-intensity conflicts, it allows a reduced crew to conduct complex missions in the most hostile environments. This operational efficiency is further enhanced by next-generation communication systems, making the H160M natively capable of crewed-uncrewed teaming on the battlefield.

The Guépard is being developed as part of the Joint Light Helicopter (HIL) program. It is intended to equip the three French armed forces with a single, multi-role platform, replacing five models currently in service: Gazelle, Alouette III, Dauphin, Panther and Fennec.