Airbus Helicopters unable to keep German H145M LKH timeline, Federal Audit Office states

The first of the Luftwaffe's H145M LKH helicopters on delivery earlier in 2026. The Bundeswehr has noted that the operational entry into service of the wider buy of 82 helicopters, which includes a large number for the army also, will be delayed. (Luftwaffe)

Airbus Helicopters is no longer able to meet the previously agreed timeline for the introduction into operational service of the H145M Leichter Kampfhubschrauber (LKH) light attack rotorcraft for the German armed forces.

The Ministry of Defence (Bundeswehr) said on 4 November 2026 that it accepted the findings of the Federal Audit Office that timelines agreed with the industry cannot be kept, and that this might have a detrimental effect on Germany meeting its commitments to NATO.

“According to the contract [with Airbus Helicopters], the new combat helicopters are to be delivered by 2029. Now […] due to planning deficiencies, it could take several years longer before the helicopters [are] fully operational. This would mean that there would be a risk that Germany would not be able to fulfil its NATO obligations.”

The Bundeswehr said that the delays are mainly due to insufficient performance by industry and not to planning deficiencies on the part of the Bundeswehr. “So far, the manufacturer has only been able to provide a preliminary configuration of the light attack helicopter. Various technical challenges were cited as the reason,” it said.

Germany ordered 62 (later raised to 82) H145M LKH helicopters for the army (72) and Luftwaffe special operations forces (10) in December 2023. Deliveries of the initial 62 H145M LKH helicopters were due to be concluded by the end of 2028, while no completion date has been disclosed for the now expanded order of 82 helicopters.