Hiroshima City Fire Services Bureau Becomes First Firefighting Operator of Airbus H160 Helicopter

Hiroshima City Fire Services Bureau of Japan takes delivery of its first Airbus H160, becoming the world’s first firefighting operator of the type. The helicopter will enter into service in early 2026 and will be deployed for a wide range of public-service missions, including aerial firefighting, search-and-rescue, emergency medical, and disaster-response operations such as reconnaissance of affected areas.

The H160 will be installed with a firefighting bucket, enhancing its capability to support ground crew in wildfire suppression efforts. 

“We take pride in being the first operator in the world to introduce the H160 for firefighting missions," says Hideki Sadamori, chief of Hiroshima City Fire Services Bureau. "We are confident in its advanced capabilities and performance to significantly enhance and strengthen our city's firefighting and disaster-prevention activities. With this helicopter, we will make every effort to save as many lives as possible.”

“We are proud to see the H160 enter a new chapter in its multi-mission journey with its first deployment in firefighting with Hiroshima City Fire Services Bureau in Japan,” says Jean-Luc Alfonsi, managing director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan. “This milestone reflects the trust placed in the H160’s advanced technology and adaptability. Whether responding to wildfires, conducting search-and-rescue, or delivering emergency medical care, the H160 is engineered to perform with precision and safety in the most demanding environments.”

The H160 will replace the AS365 N3, which has been in service with the Hiroshima City Fire Services Bureau since 2006. With its state-of-the-art avionics, reduced acoustic footprint, and enhanced maneuverability, the H160 offers a step-change in operational capability and crew comfort.

The H160 is one of the world’s most technologically advanced helicopters, designed and built to deliver the highest levels of operational safety while providing unmatched comfort for rotorcraft in its class. Capable of performing wide-ranging missions, including law enforcement, offshore transportation, search-and-rescue, and emergency medical services, as well as for private and business aviation, the H160 has entered into service in Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, the U.S., U.K. and many other European countries.

Airbus Helicopters has been a trusted partner in Japan for 65 years, with approximately 380 helicopters supporting a wide range of missions across the country. The H160 is gaining momentum, with three units currently in operation — two for law enforcement and one for news gathering — and another unit on order for Nagoya City Fire Bureau.

For more information, visit https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/civil-helicopters/h160.