French Army’s All New 'Cheetah' Attack Helicopter Conducts First Firing During Flight

The French armed force’s all new light multi-role helicopter, the Guépard (Cheetah) completed the first test firing during flight of its weapons at the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) Flight Test site in Cazaux in collaboration with Airbus Helicopters.

During the tests, the Cheetah fired from the axial gun pod, weapons at the doors (machine gun and sniper rifle type) and decoys.

In addition to the weapons, the mission assistant, a computer system connected to all the sensors, communication systems, and weapons of the helicopter was also tested. This system allows the crew to maximize their performance and ensure high operational efficiency.

The  Guépard (Cheetah) is being developed as part of the Joint Light Helicopter (HIL) program, with a view to equipping the three branches of the French armed forces with a single, multi-role helicopter, replacing five models: Gazelle, Alouette III, Dauphin, Panther and Fennec. The first flight of the prototype occurred in July 2025.

The French armed forces expect to acquire 80 aircraft for the Army, 49 for the Navy and 40 for the Air and Space Force, with a view to a first delivery in 2028.

Guépard (Cheetah) origin

Based on the Airbus Helicopters H160 civilian helicopter, the Guépard (Cheetah) was selected as a common platform to meet the diverse operational needs of the French armed forces. It will perform combat, intelligence, airspace and maritime surveillance, light operational transport and support missions, as well as public service missions, complementing the Tigre, NH90, and Caracal helicopters already in service.

It will be equipped with avionics derived from Thales' FlytX system, designed for dual-use operations,  Its weapons system allows for the integration of numerous weapons. In addition to those tested during these trials, the integration of rockets, laser-guided rockets, and Akeron LP anti-tank missiles is under consideration.

For its missions in support of the French Navy and Air and Space Force, it will  be equipped with the next-generation Airmaster C radar, developed by Thales. A new series of tests for this radar, conducted jointly with Thales, is currently being prepared by the DGA Flight Test Center.

Furthermore, it will incorporate resilient navigation and radio communication enabling enhanced cooperation between drones and helicopters, even in jammed environments.

The Guépard  (Cheetah) will be assembled at the Airbus Helicopters site in Marignane.