New Jupiter HC Mk2 Helicopters: The British Army in Brunei has now received two new Jupiter HC Mk2 helicopters, which are based on the Airbus H145. These two aircraft are part of a bigger order for six helicopters. Before this, Airbus had already handed over three of them in the UK during 2025. The full group of six was bought under a UK Ministry of Defence plan announced in April 2024 to help British forces in Brunei and Cyprus.
These helicopters will be used by 667 Squadron Army Air Corps in Brunei. Their job will be important because they will support jungle training and many other tasks. That includes carrying injured people for medical evacuation, moving troops, lifting cargo outside the aircraft, helping with firefighting, and giving general flying support. They can also be used for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance work.
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Part of a Fast UK Defence Plan
This helicopter buy is part of a wider British defence effort to replace older Puma helicopters in Brunei and Cyprus with a smaller and more modern aircraft. The UK government and Airbus announced the six-aircraft deal in April 2024. The Ministry of Defence later said the programme moved very quickly, with delivery happening across only two years, making it one of its fastest procurement efforts.
In December 2025, Airbus Helicopters also received a two-year support contract worth £33.6 million, or about $45.3 million, for the early servicing and maintenance of the Jupiter HC2 fleet. The UK defence side said all six helicopters are expected to be in theatre by the end of 2026. That means the whole fleet should be working in its operational area before the year ends.
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What the Jupiter HC Mk2 Can Do?
The H145 is a light utility helicopter and it is made for many kinds of missions. It is about 14 meters long, or around 46 feet. Inside, it can carry up to 10 people, along with one or two pilots. It can also carry around 1,900 kilograms, or 4,189 pounds, of payload.
The helicopter uses two turboshaft engines and is built for steady and flexible flying. It can travel at around 130 knots, which is about 241 kilometers per hour or 150 miles per hour. Its range is around 650 kilometers, or 404 miles, and it can operate up to about 6,096 meters, or 20,000 feet. Because of that, it is a good fit for difficult jobs in places like Brunei, where troops need reliable air support in jungle conditions.
