Airbus Helicopters Japan delivered three TH-135 training helicopters to the Japan maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), the company said.
The aircraft were delivered between October and December and are the JMSDF’s 11th, 12th, and 13th units.
The TH-135 is a variant of the Airbus light twin-engine EC135 T2+, customized for Japan’s use. It is meant to replace the JMSDF’s previous single-engine training helicopter fleet.
Deliveries of the TH-135 began in 2009 and have been in operation since 2011.
“The on-time delivery of all 13 TH-135 helicopters so far has been a great achievement,” Stephane Ginoux, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters Japan, said in a statement.
“We are also providing our full support for the maintenance and operation of the fleet, including prompt delivery of spare parts and technical support, to ensure the safe and efficient training of JMSDF pilots.”
Japan was one of the first countries in Asia to acquire the TH-135 variant for training, Airbus noted. Australia is the most recent country to use the helicopter.
About 80 EC135 aircraft are operating in Japan in various mission capacities.