Airbus Helicopters in Iran

Iran, after negotiations with several helicopter manufacturing companies, is set to meet part of its needs through Airbus, with two helicopters delivered to Iran at the end of September. These helicopters are of the EC145 type and are intended to be active in the fields of rescue and air ambulance in Iran. Asghar Fakhrieh Kashan, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development for International Affairs, had previously stated in August 2017 that the Ministry of Health, Treatment, and Medical Education plans to purchase 45 rescue helicopters. With the delivery of the first Airbus helicopters, Iran's air fleet will witness the entry of fresh helicopters from Western companies after years. For several years, Iran has been unable to meet its helicopter fleet needs due to air sanctions, relying mostly on second-hand Russian helicopters like the Mi-17. Due to its geographical conditions and diversity, Iran requires a wide range of helicopters for various operations, with the need for over 400 new helicopters evaluated for its transportation fleet. Airbus and its helicopter manufacturing subsidiary are considered one of the best options for Iran. The EC145 model has been developed for mountainous conditions. Currently, Iran has a large, aging fleet of Bell helicopters, which these Airbus models can replace. In the medium class, the Airbus H160 model, and in the heavy section, the model 215 can meet Iran's aerial needs. However, extensive negotiations have also been conducted with Russia for the purchase of Mi-17 helicopters. The EC145 is a helicopter manufactured by Airbus Helicopters, with production starting in 1999. This model is one of the most widely used helicopters in Europe, especially in rescue operations. Its capabilities have even led to a German series being made about these helicopters and their remarkable rescue stories. This helicopter is equipped with two turbo-shaft engines producing 700 horsepower, manufactured by the French company Safran. Airbus Helicopters was formed in 1992 through the merger of the helicopter divisions of the French company Aerospatiale and the German company Daimler-Benz, and its name was changed to Airbus Helicopters in 2014. The company's headquarters is located at Marseille International Airport in southern France, with its main factories in Marseille, Donauwörth in Germany, and Albacete in Spain. The main competitor of Airbus is helicopter manufacturers in the United States. Despite American companies like Bell being the best options given Iran's conditions, the likelihood of purchasing helicopters from American companies is currently low due to political relations.