10 July 2025 12:00
A flagship initiative of the 2019–2025 French Military Programming Law, the HIL Guépard program aims to replace five types of helicopters currently in service with the French Armed Forces with a single model, derived from the civilian H160. A total of 169 helicopters have been ordered by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA), distributed among the French Army (80), the French Navy (49), and the French Air and Space Force (40), with first deliveries scheduled for 2027.
Leveraging its expertise in maintenance simulators, particularly with the NH90 and H160 (civilian version) VMTs, Telespazio France successfully responded to the call for tenders issued by Airbus Helicopters. This selection confirms Telespazio France’s leading role in providing advanced training tools for both civilian and military aeronautical platforms.
This contract award highlights the trusted relationship established between Telespazio France and Airbus Helicopters over more than a decade. It is further strengthened by Airbus Helicopters’ decision to expand this strategic partnership by entrusting Telespazio France with the VMT for the military version of its H160, sold to the French Ministry of the Armed Forces.
A Long-Term Strategic Commitment for Telespazio France
The contract is part of a long-term initiative, with development spanning several years, followed by a 10-year support agreement.
A Key Asset for the Modernization of the Armed Forces
With this contract, Telespazio France reinforces its position as a reference in the field of maintenance simulators and actively contributes to the modernization of training capabilities within the French Armed Forces. By ensuring immersive and effective training for maintenance technicians, the company plays a vital role in the operational readiness of the HIL Guépard program.
Corinne Mailles, Deputy CEO of Telespazio France, stated:
“Simulation tools are now integral to space software, whether for modeling satellite trajectories or behaviors in orbit, or simulating maintenance procedures or operations on orbital objects. Adapting these tools to the helicopter domain came quite naturally, enabling Telespazio France to become a key supplier in this field for Airbus Helicopters.”
About Telespazio France
Headquartered in Toulouse, Bordeaux, Paris, and Kourou, Telespazio France is a subsidiary of the Telespazio group, a joint venture between Leonardo (67%) and Thales (33%). A key player in space infrastructure operations and high-value-added satellite services, Telespazio France boasts over 30 years of experience and nearly 500 employees. The French subsidiary covers all essential space domains, including telecommunications, Earth observation, and navigation. With over 150 personnel at the Guiana Space Centre, Telespazio France is also the main industrial partner at the Kourou base, where it ensures the daily maintenance and operation of ground infrastructure.