RNLAF stands up H225M special forces unit

The RNLAF has stood up 300 Special Operations Squadron to field the Caracal helicopter that is being acquired to replace the Cougar (pictured). (Janes/Partrick Allen)

The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) has stood up the new unit to operate the Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal multirole rotorcraft that it ordered for its special operations forces (SOF) role.

The Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 1 October that 300 Special Operations Squadron was formed at Gilze-Rijen Air Base in southern Netherlands. The unit is part of Defence Helicopter Command.

“The duties of the squadron personnel consist of special reconnaissance, offensive actions, and military support. This is always done in collaboration with colleagues from the [army's] Commando Corps and the [navy's] Maritime Special Operations Forces,” the MoD said.

The RNLAF has acquired 14 H225Ms to augment and eventually replace the 12 Airbus Helicopters AS532 Cougars flown by 300 ‘Cougar' Squadron. Deliveries have not yet begun.

Based on the Puma family, the H225M (previously known as the EC725) is an 11 tonne twin-engined helicopter that can carry up to 28 people and is typically used for combat search-and-rescue, naval operations, medical evacuation, and military transportation.

For more information on the H225M, please see Airbus Helicopters H225.