The Kingdom of Belgium has signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters to procure a fleet of H145M multi-role helicopters. Facilitated by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), the deal includes 15 helicopters for the Belgian army and two firm orders with three options for the Federal Police.
“We are proud that Belgium is joining the growing community of H145M users,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. The press release emphasizes the H145M’s versatility for missions ranging from tactical airlift and special operations to medical evacuation and external cargo transport. Its modular design allows for rapid reconfiguration between roles, enhancing operational flexibility.
The H145M boasts a state-of-the-art self-protection system and can be equipped with a variety of weaponry for light attack missions. Airbus highlights the helicopter’s growth potential, with options for future upgrades like data links and advanced communication systems.
This new acquisition demonstrates Belgium’s confidence in the H145M platform. The military variant leverages the proven performance of the H145 family, which has amassed over seven million flight hours globally. This lineage is further emphasized by mentioning current operators like Germany and the U.S. Army (which utilizes the H145 under the designation UH-72 Lakota). The press release also highlights the growing user base for the H145M, including Hungary, Serbia, Thailand, and Luxembourg, with upcoming additions from Cyprus, Brunei, and the United Kingdom.
Financial details of the contract were not disclosed. Specific details regarding the planned roles for these helicopters within the Belgian military and Federal Police were also not included.
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