SABCA A109BA
in 
Force Aérienne Belge / Luchtmacht
Belgian Air Force
Service : 2004 to present
The Belgian Air Force’s Agusta A109BA fleet has served as a cornerstone of the country’s rotary-wing capabilities for over three decades. Originally ordered in 1988 as 46 A109BA Hirundo helicopters to replace the aging Aérospatiale Alouette II, deliveries began in 1992, with the aircraft assembled locally by SABCA and initially operated by the Army Component before being transferred to the Air Component in 2004. The program was overshadowed by the so-called Agusta scandal, a political corruption case that led to the resignation and later conviction of Willy Claes. A major upgrade completed in 2003 standardized the fleet into a multi-role configuration, expanding its operational scope beyond its original anti-tank and reconnaissance missions.
The A109BAi (“Belgian Army improved”) designation refers to the helicopters following their 2003 multi-role modernization. In 2007, five aircraft were sold to Benin.
Throughout its service life, the A109BA has functioned as a versatile “workhorse,” performing combat support, armed reconnaissance, and anti-tank roles using TOW-2A missiles, as well as utility missions such as medical evacuation, search and rescue, and VIP transport. The fleet also supported international deployments, including operations in Mali under Operation Serval, as well as missions in Bosnia and the former Yugoslavia. In addition, the aircraft gained public recognition through the Belgian Air Force’s A109 display team, widely known as the Razzle Blades, which concluded its performances in 2023.
As of late 2023, approximately 18 aircraft remained operational, primarily based at Beauvechain Air Base with the 1st Wing, while others have been progressively withdrawn and stored at Zutendaal. The fleet is now in its final phase of service, with Belgium confirming the acquisition of 15 Airbus H145M helicopters as replacements. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026 following initial test flights in 2025, marking the gradual retirement of the A109 after more than 30 years of continuous service.
The A109BAi (“Belgian Army improved”) designation refers to the helicopters following their 2003 multi-role modernization. In 2007, five aircraft were sold to Benin.
Throughout its service life, the A109BA has functioned as a versatile “workhorse,” performing combat support, armed reconnaissance, and anti-tank roles using TOW-2A missiles, as well as utility missions such as medical evacuation, search and rescue, and VIP transport. The fleet also supported international deployments, including operations in Mali under Operation Serval, as well as missions in Bosnia and the former Yugoslavia. In addition, the aircraft gained public recognition through the Belgian Air Force’s A109 display team, widely known as the Razzle Blades, which concluded its performances in 2023.
As of late 2023, approximately 18 aircraft remained operational, primarily based at Beauvechain Air Base with the 1st Wing, while others have been progressively withdrawn and stored at Zutendaal. The fleet is now in its final phase of service, with Belgium confirming the acquisition of 15 Airbus H145M helicopters as replacements. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2026 following initial test flights in 2025, marking the gradual retirement of the A109 after more than 30 years of continuous service.
Units
| 2010- | 1 Wing |
| 2004-2014 | 18 Squadron 18 Sq MRH |
| 2004-2010 | 16 Squadron16 sq MRH |
| 2004- | 17 Squadron17 sq MRH |
