The Airbus AS565 Panther is a multi-purpose military helicopter designed and manufactured by Airbus Helicopters. The Panther is the military version of the Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin and was developed to meet the requirements of the French Navy for a shipboard helicopter. The Panther was developed and introduced to the market in the late 1980s.

The Panther was designed to provide a cost effective and reliable platform for a variety of military missions, including search and rescue, reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare. Airbus Helicopters sought to leverage existing components and technologies used on the civilian variants of the helicopter to reduce the cost of the Panther and simplify maintenance.

The Panther is currently used by a number of nations around the world and has seen some success in the civilian market as well. The aircraft is relatively common, with over 500 Panthers in operation around the world.

The Panther has had some issues with safety over time, though the vast majority of incidents have been attributed to pilot error or other external factors. The Panther has been involved in several high-profile accidents since its introduction, though none have been attributed to any design flaws.

The Panther offers a number of innovations and technologies not commonly found on other helicopters. This includes a fly-by-wire flight control system, a modern glass cockpit, and an advanced avionics suite. Additionally, the Panther can be equipped with a wide range of surveillance and weapons systems, making it suitable for a variety of missions.

The Panther is a versatile aircraft that can be used for a variety of roles, and its combination of cost-effectiveness and advanced features make it an attractive choice for many operators. The Panther has become a popular platform for military and civilian operators alike, and its track record of reliability and safety has been a major selling point.