헬리콥터 미 세관국경보호청, H125 10기 주문

[위종민]

미 세관국경보호청(CBP)의 항공해상작전국이 H125 10기를 주문했습니다. 벨이나 MD 헬리콥터가 아니라니! 싶었는데 이미 H125를 운영하고 있었네요. 

에어버스, 미국 연방기관으로부터 H125 헬리콥터 10대 추가 수주

작성: Ian Molyneaux

편집: Emma Yates-Badley

2026년 7월 8일

항공기

에어버스가 미국 세관국경보호청(CBP) 항공·해상작전국(Air and Marine Operations, CBP AMO)으로부터 H125 헬리콥터 신규 주문을 수주했다.

2026년 7월 7일, 에어버스는 미국 세관국경보호청이 기존 H125 운용 기단에 경량 법집행 헬리콥터(Light Enforcement Helicopter, LEH) 10대를 추가 도입할 예정이라고 발표했다.

에어버스 헬리콥터 북미지역 총괄 책임자인 바르트 레이넨은 "이번 H125 기단 확대는 에어버스와 미국 세관국경보호청 간 오랜 협력 관계를 다시 한번 보여주는 사례"라며 "이번 선정은 까다로운 환경에서도 중요한 공공안전 임무를 수행할 수 있는 H125에 대한 신뢰를 보여준다"고 말했다.

그는 이어 "에어버스는 지속적인 임무 수행 준비태세를 보장하기 위해 신뢰성 높은 항공기와 종합적인 지원 서비스를 제공하며 기관을 계속 지원할 것"이라고 덧붙였다.

CBP에 따르면 H125는 항공 순찰과 정지 또는 이동 중인 목표물에 대한 감시 임무 등에 운용되고 있다.

이 기체는 조종사 1명과 목표물을 탐지하기 위한 센서를 운용하는 승무원 1명 등 총 2명이 탑승해 운용한다.

CBP에서는 H125를 'A-Star 헬리콥터'라는 명칭으로 운용하고 있으며, 전술 탐조등, 전자광학·적외선(EO/IR) 카메라, 야간투시경(NVG) 호환 장비도 탑재하고 있다.

에어버스 헬리콥터 대변인은 "H125 경량 법집행 헬리콥터는 북미 전역에서 항공 법집행 임무를 수행하는 핵심 자산"이라며 "극한 환경에서도 효율적으로 운용할 수 있도록 구성돼 있으며, 다양한 국토안보 임무에 필요한 다목적성과 신뢰성을 제공한다"고 말했다.

미국에서 운용되는 H125는 미시시피주 콜럼버스에 위치한 에어버스 생산시설에서 제조된다.

Airbus wins double-digit H125 order from US federal agency

Airbus wins double-digit H125 order from US federal agency

Airbus wins double-digit H125 helicopter order from US federal agency

ByIan Molyneaux

Edited ByEmma Yates-Badley

July 8, 2026

Aircraft

Airbus

Airbus has received a new order for H125 helicopters from US Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO).

On July 7, 2026, Airbus announced that US Customs and Border Protection would be adding to its existing H125 fleet with 10 additional Light Enforcement Helicopters (LEH).

“The expansion of this H125 fleet underscores the long-standing collaboration between Airbus and U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” Bart Reijnen, Head of the North America Region for Airbus Helicopters, said. “This selection highlights the trust placed in the H125 to perform critical public safety missions under demanding conditions.”

Reijnen added: “Airbus remains committed to supporting the agency with reliable aircraft and comprehensive services to ensure continuous mission readiness.”

The H125 is used by Air and Marine Operations to perform missions such as aerial patrol and surveillance of stationary or moving targets, according to CBP.

It is operated by two people with one pilot and one person operating the helicopter’s sensors to detect targets.

Called the A-Star helicopter by CBP, the H125 is also fitted with a tactical search light, electro-optical/infrared camera and night vision goggle compatible.

“The H125 light enforcement helicopter is a vital asset for airborne law enforcement operations throughout North America,” a spokesperson for Airbus Helicopters said. “Configured to operate efficiently in extreme environments, the aircraft delivers the versatility and reliability required for rigorous multi-role homeland security operations.”

In the US, the H125 is manufactured at Airbus’ manufacturing facility in Columbus, Mississippi.