Since April 2023, Airbus Helicopters has been carrying out flight qualification firing of the 20mm NC 621 pod on the H225M Caracal helicopter. This pod integrates the Nexter 20mm cannon 20M621, which has been specially designed to arm light aircraft.

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Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal with Nexter's 20mm cannon 20M621 NC621 pod (Picture source: Nexter/Airbus Helicopters)

Nexter, a company of KNDS, is assisting Airbus Helicopters with the qualification of its 20mm pod on the H225M Caracal. The first firing took place in April 2023. This joint project follows decades of collaboration, with the 30mm turret on the Tiger helicopter, among others.

The NC 621 incorporates the 20mm M621 gun, effective up to 2km. Its low recoil makes it easy to integrate on lightweight platforms. It has been specifically developed to arm all types of light aircraft and helicopters, and requires no major adaptation work.

The Nexter weapon fires standard NATO ammunition (20x102mm). This gun is particularly easy to operate and maintain. Its performance in terms of size, accuracy and power makes it an excellent alternative to 12.7mm (.50 in) heavy machine guns. Several thousand are in service today for air, land and sea applications.

The Eurocopter EC725 Caracal, now called Airbus Helicopters H225M, is a long-range tactical transport military helicopter developed from the Eurocopter AS532 Cougar for military use. It is a twin-engined aircraft and can carry up to 28 seated troops along with two crew, depending on customer configuration. The helicopter is marketed for troop transport, casualty evacuation, and combat search and rescue duties.