Belgium’s four NH90 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter), which are known as the Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) in national service, face an uncertain future according statements by the Ministry of Defence Philippe Goffin.
The NH90 recently entered service with the Belgian Air Component (air force). In 2013, 18 Squadron MRH transitioned from the A109BA to the TTH for the supporting role of the Army.
But now, the government has claimed that the four NH90 helicopters are too expensive to operate, there is hardly any technical support and there is not enough personnel to man them.
Belgium also operates 4 NH90s of the NFH variant which can be used from the navy's frigates, but most importantly, they are the main national platform for conducting Search and Rescue (SAR) missions.
“Today our organisation is undergoing a profound transformation, and we are facing an extraordinary challenge in the field of human resources. In this context, it was decided to reduce the flight plan of the NH90 TTH. These measures are a result of its limited operational output due to the lack of industrial support, due to very costly but necessary upgrades, and due to staff shortages. Defence makes the choice to focus on the NFH version, which in its maritime role must expand the effectiveness of the frigates and at the same time ensure the search and rescue mission”, the ministry said.
Belgium NH90 TTH in Jeopardy
After only six years of operations, Belgium is about to ground the four NH90 TTH helicopters citing too expensive, too few spare parts and too few personnel problems
Plan is to kick 4 NH90 and the 109. They will be replaced by the H145
I wonder what one hour flight will cost per hour? I am afraid it is much more then they ever expected and forecasted it in their budgets.
That’s almost the same as a CH47 Chinook!
Studies told € 25000 by the hour . More expensive then their F16