French ALAT Replacing Iconic Gazelle. H160M Guépard Set for Delivery in 2028
The H160M Guépard is a military version of the Airbus H160 helicopter, which is currently being tested for the French armed forces as part of the Joint Light Helicopter program. It is intended to replace older types of French helicopters and will serve the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Key features include advanced sensors and weapon systems, compatibility with drones, and the capacity to perform a wide range of missions from search and rescue to attacks.
The Guépard (Cheetah), developed by Airbus Helicopters, is set to play a central role in the modernization of the French armed forces. Designed to replace five older models, this latest-generation military helicopter promises improved performance, operational flexibility, and reduced costs. It is scheduled to enter service in 2028. The result of the transformation of a civilian model, the Guépard is tailored to current military requirements. It is inspired by the H160, but with a reinforced structure and a payload capacity adapted to a variety of missions: tactical support, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, and sea rescue.
This versatility allows the aircraft to be integrated into all branches of the French armed forces. The Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force will receive 80, 49, and 40 units, respectively. France thus intends to streamline its resources and simplify maintenance thanks to a harmonized fleet. The Guépard marks a technological breakthrough. Equipped with the latest-generation sensors, such as Thales' AirMaster C or Safran's Euroflir 410, it meets the requirements of hybrid conflicts. It is also designed to interact with drones, a strategic capability in the face of new threats.
One of the Guépard's major advantages is its modular design. This approach allows the aircraft to be rapidly adapted to different mission contexts. The French army will thus be able to deploy a single model across all its theaters of operations, while reducing logistical complexity. The pooling of this single fleet also paves the way for a significant reduction in maintenance costs. Fewer spare parts, a single type of training for ground crews, and a streamlined supply chain are all advantages consistent with the goal of optimizing defense spending.
The Guépard also stands out for its low noise level, which is half that of its predecessors. This feature improves low detectability in the field and crew comfort. Although not yet exported, this aircraft represents a growth opportunity for Airbus in the global medium helicopter market. The Guépard is replacing aging helicopters such as the Alouette III (retired in 2022) or the Gazelle.
Alouette III SA-316
The Alouette III SA-316 was available in A, B, and C versions, all equipped with an Artouste III turbine. The B version features reinforced transmissions, while the C version, released in 1972, features the more powerful Artouste IIID turbine. In 1952, the Army created the Light Artillery Observation Aviation (Aviation Légère d’Observation d’Artillerie, or ALA). Equipped with light aircraft, it was structured into various artillery observation aviation groups composed of Army personnel. It was not until 1954 that the ALAT began using helicopters, limited to observation or medical evacuation roles. A total of 89 Alouette III helicopters were delivered to the ALAT. Production of the Alouette III ended in 1979, .with 1,453 units delivered to 205 customers worldwide.
The French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) no longer operates any Alouette III helicopters as part of its active fleet. The Alouette IIIs were fully retired from French military service, including the French Navy, by December 31, 2022, after over 60 years of service across the French armed forces.
The Gazelle SA 341 and SA 342
The Gazelle is a light, multipurpose helicopter with a metal frame, designed in the 1960s by Sud-Aviation and mass-produced from the early 1970s by SNIAS (Société Nationale Industrielle AéroSpaciale) in collaboration with Westland Helicopters (United Kingdom). Built in two main commercial versions, the SA 341 and SA 342, most of its production was intended for military use (France, Tunisia, Morocco, Cameroon, United Kingdom, Yugoslavia, Egypt, Kuwait, Iraq) between 1980 and 1988, but it also enjoyed considerable success in the civilian sector. Despite its age, this helicopter still remains the backbone of combat helicopter fleets in several countries. It is available in several versions, enabling it to carry out various types of missions: anti-tank warfare, ground support, and air-to-air combat.
The French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) is estimated to operate around 80 Gazelle helicopters across its various regiments, primarily in reconnaissance, anti-tank, and light support roles. ALAT has a fleet of approximately 285 helicopters, with Gazelles making up a substantial share of the fleet.
