Eurocopter AS.532UL Cougar at Rotterdam

Rotterdam/The Hague Airport, January 18, 2026 — Aviation enthusiasts at Rotterdam/The Hague Airport were treated to an unusual military visitor on Sunday as a French Army (ALAT) AS.532UL Cougar helicopter made an overnight stop at the civilian airport. The helicopter, operating under callsign FMY8602 and bearing serial number 2342/CHA (F-MCHA), is en route to northern Europe with a planned next stop in Billund, Denmark.

Transit Through the Netherlands

The Cougar arrived at Rotterdam/The Hague Airport on Sunday afternoon for what appears to be a standard refueling and crew rest stop. Such layovers are common for military rotary-wing aircraft conducting long-distance transits, as helicopters have limited range compared to fixed-wing aircraft. The airport provides convenient facilities for international military movements between Western Europe and Scandinavia.

According to flight tracking data, the helicopter departed Monday morning, continuing its journey northward to Billund Airport in Denmark, a known stopover point for military aircraft heading to Scandinavian destinations.

About the AS.532UL Cougar

The AS.532UL Cougar is a medium-weight, twin-engine utility helicopter that has been a workhorse of the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) since the 1990s. Powered by two Turbomeca Makila 1A1 turboshaft engines, each producing approximately 1,185 kW of power, the Cougar can carry a crew of two plus up to 29 troops or perform medical evacuation missions with six stretcher patients and ten additional personnel.

The “UL” designation indicates this is the “utility long” variant, featuring an extended fuselage for increased passenger and cargo capacity. With a maximum takeoff weight of 9,000 kg and the ability to lift 4.5 tons via external sling, the Cougar remains a versatile platform for tactical transport, troop insertion, and logistical support missions.

The French military has been gradually modernizing its Cougar fleet in recent years. A €220 million upgrade program was initiated to enhance avionics, improve self-defense systems, and bring the fleet up to European airspace standards. However, the Cougar fleet is being progressively replaced by newer NH90 Caïman and H160M Guépard helicopters, with the French Army currently operating approximately 64 Cougars.