Morocco’s order of ten Airbus H225M Caracal helicopters has driven French defense contracts with the Kingdom to €532 million in 2025, the highest level recorded in a decade, according to the French Ministry of Armed Forces’ annual report on arms exports.
The report, published earlier this August, explicitly lists the Caracal contract among the major deals that entered into force last year.
It places the Moroccan order alongside high-profile contracts such as India’s 26 naval Rafale jets, Indonesia’s two Scorpène Evolved submarines, Greece’s fourth FDI frigate, and a Luxembourg military telecommunications satellite.
Airbus Helicopters officially announced the sale of the ten H225M Caracal helicopters on 18 November 2025 at the Dubai Airshow. The aircraft, configured for combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions, will replace the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s ageing fleet of SA330 Puma helicopters, which have been in service for more than 40 years.
Market estimates circulating before the signature ranged between €330 million and €440 million. The French ministry’s figures now indicate that the deal, once entered into force, significantly boosted the overall volume of French arms orders from Morocco in 2025.
The Caracal acquisition forms part of Morocco’s broader effort to modernize its air force capabilities, particularly in the areas of combat search and rescue and long-range special operations support. The H225M is already in service with several European and Middle Eastern air forces and is regarded as one of the most capable helicopters in its class for demanding CSAR missions.
