Airbus has received a H160 helicopter order from Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA) to strengthen the country’s nationwide emergency response.
On September 3, 2026, Airbus confirmed that FDMA had signed an order for a single H160, marking the agency’s very first acquisition of the next-generation helicopter.
Stationed in Kumamoto prefecture in the Kyushu region, the H160 will join FDMA’s existing helicopter fleet to enhance nationwide emergency response, speed and coverage.
Airbus said that the aircraft’s “primary role will be rapid aerial reconnaissance and real-time visual intelligence gathering during major natural disasters”.
The H160 will feature Helisat advanced satellite technology. Airbus also said it is currently developing custom snow landing gear that would aid operations in Japan’s severe winter climates.
“By integrating this aircraft, the FDMA will significantly enhance its operational readiness and reduce emergency reaction times,” Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan, said. “We are seeing strong and growing interest in the multi-mission H160 across Japan. To ensure these vital aircraft perform flawlessly on every life-saving mission, we are fully committed to supporting the expanding fleet through our dedicated H160 centre of excellence in Kobe.”
The are currently four H160s actively in service across Japan, performing law enforcement, electronic news gathering and municipal firefighting duties.