The Nagoya City Fire Bureau in Japan has ordered an Airbus H160 helicopter to support its mission portfolio, including firefighting, disaster response, and search and rescue. Configured for versatility, the H160 will feature equipment such as a belly-mounted water tank or firefighting bucket to provide aerial support for wildfire suppression alongside rescue operations.
Since 1973, when the bureau introduced its first helicopter—an Allouette III—it has used aviation assets to serve the community. Currently flying two AS365N3 helicopters, the bureau will retire one of these upon the arrival of the H160, marking a modernization milestone in its aerial operations.
Renowned for its cutting-edge technology and high safety standards, the H160 is built to serve a wide array of missions, from EMS and SAR to offshore and corporate transport. Already in use across multiple countries, the platform is steadily expanding its global footprint.
Airbus Helicopters, with a 65-year history in Japan and a fleet of around 380 helicopters nationwide, continues to strengthen its presence. This new H160 addition reflects the growing confidence of Japanese operators in the aircraft’s performance, flexibility, and reliability, as three other H160s are already active in law enforcement and media roles across the country.
