Donauwörth, Germany – Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first H145M helicopter to the Kingdom of Belgium, marking a major milestone in the modernisation of the nation’s defence and security capabilities.
The aircraft is part of a wider procurement contract signed in 2024 via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to equip both the Belgian armed forces and the Federal Police. Highlighting the growing momentum of the programme, Belgium has also recently exercised its option for three additional H145M helicopters, bringing the nation’s total fleet on order to 20 aircraft.
Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters, said “We are proud to celebrate this first delivery to Belgium and are deeply honoured that they are joining a rapidly growing community of European nations that trust the H145M for their most critical operations. This platform has become the definitive European reference for military multi-mission capabilities. Belgium’s decision to extend their fleet to 20 aircraft is a powerful testament to the deep trust placed in our team and the H145M's ability to meet today's evolving security challenges,” he added.
The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter that provides a broad range of mission capabilities. Within minutes, the helicopter can be reconfigured from a light attack role with axial ballistic and guided weapons and a state-of-the-art self-protection system into a special operations version with fast-rappelling equipment. The comprehensive mission packages include hoisting and external cargo capabilities. Its ability to seamlessly integrate into networked combat and team with uncrewed aerial systems, backed by advanced digital connectivity, makes it the most capable helicopter in its class.
The H145M is the military version of the tried-and-tested, light twin-engine H145 helicopter. The global fleet of the H145 family has accumulated more than 8.5 million flight hours. It is used by armed forces and law enforcement agencies around the world for the most demanding missions. The US Army employs almost 500 helicopters from the H145 family under the name UH-72 Lakota. Germany has ordered up to 82 H145M helicopters, with deliveries currently ongoing. Other military operators of the H145 family include Hungary, Serbia, Luxembourg, Thailand, Ecuador, and Honduras.
Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145M is fitted with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC). In addition, the helicopter is equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite which, alongside innovative flight data management, includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, reducing pilot workload during missions. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145M the quietest helicopter in its class.
Belgium Receives First Airbus H145M Helicopter
Belgium has taken delivery of its first Airbus H145M helicopter under a 2024 procurement program for the armed forces and Federal Police. The country has also exercised an option for three additional aircraft, bringing its total order to 20.
Belgium selected the Airbus H145M as part of a broader effort to modernize its rotary-wing fleet following the retirement of its NH90 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) fleet. While the larger NH90 remains in service with the Belgian Navy for maritime operations, the H145M was chosen to provide a more flexible and cost-effective solution for light transport, special operations, training, and security missions. The acquisition forms part of a joint procurement program for the Belgian Armed Forces and Federal Police, ensuring a common platform with modern avionics, lower operating costs, and enhanced interoperability with NATO partners.
Did you know?
- Belgium maintains a unified military structure under the Belgian Armed Forces (La Défense / Defensie), which combines land, air, naval, medical, cyber, and special operations components under a single command organization. Unlike some larger NATO members that operate separate military services, Belgium s joint structure is designed to improve efficiency, interoperability, and resource sharing. The country s helicopter assets are primarily operated by the Air Component and support a wide range of missions, including military transport, special operations, maritime security, search and rescue, training, and support to civil authorities.