Japan’s Nagoya City Fire Bureau has placed an order for an Airbus H160 helicopter, which will be used in firefighting, search and rescue, and disaster response operations, including reconnaissance of disaster-stricken areas. The H160 will be customized for aerial firefighting and rescue missions, with the ability to carry either a firefighting bucket or a belly-mounted water tank to assist ground crews during wildfire suppression efforts.
The bureau’s aviation unit has been active since 1973, beginning with the Allouette III. It currently operates two AS365N3 helicopters. With the acquisition of the H160, one of the existing aircraft will be retired, ushering in a new era of enhanced aerial capability for Nagoya.
The H160 is among the most advanced rotorcraft in the world, offering superior safety, comfort, and mission flexibility. It is suited for law enforcement, offshore transport, EMS, business aviation, and SAR roles. The helicopter is already in service across countries such as Japan, France, Brazil, the U.S., U.K., and others.
Airbus Helicopters has maintained a strong presence in Japan for over six decades, with around 380 helicopters operating nationwide. With this latest order, the H160 continues gaining traction in Japan, where three units are currently in use—two by law enforcement and one for media operations.
