Nagoya Fire Bureau Upgrades Fleet with Advanced Airbus H160 for Enhanced Aerial Emergency Response

Nagoya Fire Bureau Upgrades Fleet with Advanced Airbus H160 for Enhanced Aerial Emergency Response

(IN BRIEF) The Nagoya City Fire Bureau has ordered an Airbus H160 helicopter to bolster its firefighting, search and rescue and disaster response capabilities, including aerial reconnaissance. Jean‑Luc Alfonsi of Airbus Helicopters Japan praised the aircraft’s advanced safety, performance and design, and pledged ongoing support. The H160 will feature interchangeable firefighting equipment—a bucket or belly tank—to enhance wildfire suppression efforts alongside ground crews. Replacing one of Nagoya’s two AS365N3 helicopters, this addition continues the Bureau’s aerial operations legacy that began in 1973 with the Alouette III. Globally, the H160 is recognized for its technological sophistication and multi‑mission flexibility and is already in service across multiple continents. This new procurement underscores Airbus’s 65‑year partnership in Japan and growing domestic confidence in the H160.

(PRESS RELEASE) LA DÈFENSE, 18-Jul-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The Nagoya City Fire Bureau has placed an order for a brand‑new Airbus H160 helicopter, set to enhance its capabilities in firefighting, search and rescue, and disaster relief missions, including aerial assessments of affected zones.

Jean‑Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Japan, remarked, “We’re proud that our long‑standing collaborator in Nagoya has chosen the H160 for these critical operations. This next‑generation rotorcraft sets new benchmarks in safety, performance and ergonomic design, making it perfectly suited to the Bureau’s demanding requirements. We look forward to strengthening our support and partnership as they put this aircraft into service.”

Configured for both search and rescue and aerial firefighting tasks, the H160 can be equipped with either an external bucket or an integrated belly tank. This flexibility allows it to work in tandem with ground teams, providing more efficient suppression of wildfires.

Since its first helicopter in 1973—the Alouette III—the Nagoya City Fire Bureau has upheld a proud tradition of aerial support. Currently operating two AS365N3 Dauphins, the Bureau plans to retire one of these as the H160 joins the fleet, heralding a new chapter in the city’s airborne emergency services.

Regarded as one of the most advanced helicopters globally, the H160 combines cutting‑edge safety features with superior comfort. Its multi‑role design supports various mission profiles—law enforcement, offshore transport, search and rescue, private and business travel, and medical evacuation. The model is already in operation across Japan, Brazil, Canada, France, Malaysia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, the United States and multiple European nations.

With a 65‑year history in Japan and nearly 380 helicopters in service nationwide, Airbus Helicopters continues to be a trusted partner for Japanese operators. The H160’s momentum here is growing: three are already flying—two with law enforcement agencies and one for news gathering—underscoring its versatility and performance. This latest order further cements confidence in the H160 among Japan’s aviation community.

Media Contacts:

Takahiro Nosaka
AIRBUS
Japan
+81 3 5775 0129
takahiro.nosaka@airbus.com

Belinda Ng
AIRBUS
Asia-Pacific
+65 9683 6361
belinda.ng@airbus.com

Jennifer Steiner
AIRBUS
Helicopters
+33 (0) 6 28 08 69 75
jennifer.steiner@airbus.com

SOURCE: AIRBUS