Attack Helicopter
Airbus Tiger (EC665)
The Airbus Tiger (EC665) is a Franco-German attack and reconnaissance helicopter built by Airbus Helicopters in France and Germany, in service since 2003. About 206 have been built, and it is used by France, Germany and Spain.
France|Airbus Helicopters (Eurocopter)What Is the Airbus Tiger? Overview, History and Development
The Tiger prototype first flew on 27 April 1991, and the first French HAP aircraft were delivered in 2003, with German UHT aircraft following in 2005. It is a tandem-seat helicopter with a composite airframe, two MTR390 turboshafts of about 1,285 shp each and a maximum speed of about 290 km/h. It has a 30 mm gun, rockets, Mistral missiles and, depending on version, Hellfire II, HOT3 or Spike-ER missiles.
France has about 67 aircraft, Germany about 51 and Spain 18, and Australia retired its 22 early in favour of the AH-64E. France and Spain launched the Tiger Mk III upgrade around 2020–2023, and Germany plans to retire its UHT in the 2030s. Tigers served in Afghanistan, Libya and Mali. A unit costs about 40–60 million euros, and rivals include the AH-64E, T129 ATAK and Ka-52.
Airbus Tiger Specifications: Speed, Range, Payload and Armament
Airbus Tiger Variants and Versions Compared
The French Army escort and fire-support version, with a 30 mm gun, delivered from 2003.
The French and Spanish ground-attack version with Hellfire II or other missiles, later being upgraded.
The German Army support version, delivered from 2005, with HOT3 or PARS 3 LR missiles.
Which Countries Use the Airbus Tiger? Operators and Users
France
Germany
SpainAirbus Tiger FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does the Airbus Tiger helicopter cost?
An Airbus Tiger costs about 40–60 million euros per aircraft, according to approximate programme estimates. Costs vary by version and support package, and no single official unit price is published.
Which countries use the Tiger helicopter?
The Tiger is used by France, Germany and Spain, and Australia retired its fleet around late 2025. It has not been exported elsewhere, though Saudi Arabia, India and Türkiye evaluated it.
Tiger vs AH-64 Apache: which is better?
The AH-64E Apache is generally seen as more capable, with a fire-control radar and heavier armament, while the Tiger is lighter and has no radar. The Tiger has a composite airframe and a lower signature.
How fast is the Airbus Tiger?
The Airbus Tiger has a maximum speed of about 290 km/h and cruises at around 255 km/h. Its range is about 800 km, and endurance is about two hours and 50 minutes.
Why did Türkiye choose the T129 over the Tiger?
Türkiye chose the T129 ATAK, based on the AgustaWestland A129, over the Tiger in its 2000s ATAK competition. The T129 was co-developed with TAI, which gave Türkiye local production.
Has the Tiger helicopter been used in combat?
The Tiger has been used in combat by France in Afghanistan from 2009, Libya in 2011 and Mali, and by Germany in Afghanistan and Mali. German Tigers left MINUSMA in 2023, and France ended Barkhane in 2022.