France’s H160M Guépard Helicopter Completes First Live Firing Test

France’s Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) announced on July 15, 2026, that the H160M Guépard multi-role military helicopter, built by Airbus Helicopters, completed its first live firing campaign with its onboard weapon systems.

The H160M Guépard is being developed as a joint platform for the French Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force, intended to replace the aging Gazelle, Puma, and Fennec fleets. First deliveries are expected in 2028.

The test campaign covered machine-gun and guided-munition integration; DGA reported the tests were successful and the program remains on schedule.

Source: Army Recognition (Jul 15, 2026, DGA/Airbus statement).