The French Armament General Directorate (DGA) yesterday awarded a 10 billion Euro contract to Airbus Helicopters for the development and procurement of the H160M in the frame of the Light Joint Helicopter program (HIL). Close to a third of the future "Guépard" fleet is intended for the French Navy (Marine Nationale).

The French Navy recently launched a tender calling for construction work at the Lanvéoc-Poulmic naval air base (BAN) prior to delivery of an interim fleet of Airbus Helicopter H160-type light multirole helicopters.