Nagoya City Fire Bureau Enhances Operations with Airbus H160 Helicopter

On July 17, 2025, the Nagoya City Fire Bureau in Japan placed a significant order for an Airbus H160 helicopter, marking a pivotal enhancement in its operational capabilities. The advanced helicopter is set to play a critical role in firefighting, search and rescue missions, and disaster response operations, including the crucial task of reconnaissance in affected areas.

Jean-Luc Alfonsi, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Japan, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the order, stating, "We are honoured that our long-standing customer Nagoya City Fire Bureau has selected the H160 for their vital missions. This game-changing helicopter redefines safety, performance, and design, ideally suited for the demanding work of the Bureau." The H160 is equipped with features that can be customized for aerial firefighting, including the option for a firefighting bucket or a belly-mounted water tank, thus enhancing its capability to support ground crews in wildfire suppression efforts.

The Nagoya City Fire Bureau, which has been operational since 1973, initially introduced its first helicopter, an Allouette III, to provide aerial support for emergencies. Currently, the Bureau operates two AS365N3 helicopters, and with the addition of the H160, one of the existing helicopters is expected to be retired, symbolizing a new era of aerial support for the city. The H160 is renowned for its technological advancements, providing high levels of operational safety while maintaining unmatched comfort for rotorcraft in its class.

The versatility of the H160 extends beyond firefighting; it is capable of performing a wide range of missions, including law enforcement, offshore transportation, emergency medical services, and private aviation. The helicopter has already been integrated into service in multiple countries, including Japan, Brazil, Canada, France, Malaysia, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Airbus Helicopters has established itself as a trusted partner in Japan over the past 65 years, with approximately 380 helicopters supporting various missions across the nation. The growing fleet and the recent order for the H160 reflect increasing confidence in the helicopter's performance among Japanese operators. Currently, three H160 units are active in Japan, with two serving law enforcement and one dedicated to news gathering missions.

This strategic investment by the Nagoya City Fire Bureau not only enhances its operational capabilities but also exemplifies the trend of adopting advanced technologies in public safety operations. As the H160 joins the fleet, it is expected to significantly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response efforts in the region.

In conclusion, the introduction of the Airbus H160 helicopter is poised to have a lasting impact on the Nagoya City Fire Bureau's mission of safeguarding lives and property. The Bureau's commitment to modernizing its fleet underscores the importance of leveraging cutting-edge technology to address the challenges posed by natural disasters and urban emergencies. As the Bureau prepares for the arrival of the H160, stakeholders anticipate a marked improvement in operational readiness and community safety in Nagoya.