Belgium To Procure 17 H145M Utility Helicopters From Airbus Helicopters
On June 17, the Belgian Ministry of Defence ordered 17 H145M utility helicopters from Airbus Helicopters via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The agreement, which is part of the Brussels government’s STAR programme to significantly renew the armed forces by 2030, was signed during the biennial Eurosatory defence fair at the Paris-Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre in Paris, France.
Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even commented on the agreement, saying, “We are proud that Belgium is joining the growing community of H145M users. In Europe, the robust multi-role helicopter is becoming the reference for tactical airlift capability, special operations, medical evacuation missions. We are sure that the H145M will quickly become a key asset to the Belgian defence and security portfolio.”
According to a statement from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) and Airbus Helicopters, the Belgian Armed Forces will use 15 of the 17 helicopters, while the police will use the remaining two. Belgium will begin receiving the first H145M helicopters and associated equipment in 2026.
With the delivery of these helicopters, the Belgian Armed Forces will have an effective tactical airlift and medical evacuation capability by air for special operations. The use of the same platforms will allow for commonality and interoperability in technical support, training, and mission execution between the Belgian Armed Forces and the Belgian Federal Police. The new helicopters will also be used to support other defense forces, provide aid to the nation, conduct humanitarian operations, and secure Belgian airspace during NATO and EU summits.
The H-145M is Airbus’s class-leading light attack helicopter, based on the civilian Eurocopter EC145. The H-145M has a wide range of applications, including maritime patrol, light attack, transport, and reconnaissance. These helicopters can operate day or night, in any weather, and can be outfitted with 12.7mm machine guns, 70mm guided and unguided rockets, anti-tank missiles, and short-range air-to-air missiles. The helicopter can carry a useful load of 1,769kg and has a maximum takeoff weight of 3.7 tons. The H-145M has a range of 662 kilometers and a top speed of 244 kilometers per hour, thanks to its two powerful Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines. The helicopter can reach a flight altitude of over 2,700m (8,858 ft) and remain airborne for three and a half hours.