In a strategic move aimed at enhancing its defense and security capabilities, Belgium has opted to acquire a fleet of Airbus H145M helicopters. The procurement, which includes 15 units for the Belgian army and an additional two with three optional units for the Federal Police, marks a significant advancement in the nation’s aerial operational readiness.
The contract, facilitated by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) on behalf of Belgium, was finalized with Airbus Helicopters, underscoring a pivotal moment in Belgium’s military modernization efforts. Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed pride in Belgium’s decision, highlighting the H145M’s growing reputation across Europe for its versatility in tactical airlift, special operations support, and medical evacuation missions.
The H145M is revered for its adaptability across various mission profiles, seamlessly transitioning from light attack configurations equipped with advanced self-protection systems to specialized roles such as fast roping for special operations. Its capabilities also encompass hoisting operations and external cargo transport, complemented by future-ready enhancements like enhanced data links and communication systems.
As the military variant of Airbus’s widely-deployed H145 family, which boasts over seven million flight hours globally, the H145M has earned accolades for its reliability and operational effectiveness. Current users of the H145M include Germany, which operates variants dedicated to special operations and search-and-rescue missions, and the United States Army, utilizing a substantial fleet under the designation UH-72 Lakota.
Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines with full authority digital engine control (FADEC), the H145M incorporates state-of-the-art Helionix digital avionics. This suite integrates a high-performance 4-axis autopilot system, significantly reducing pilot workload during demanding missions. Notably, the helicopter’s advanced engineering also ensures it maintains the lowest acoustic footprint in its class, enhancing operational stealth and minimizing environmental impact.
Belgium’s adoption of the H145M underscores Airbus’s growing footprint in European defense markets, solidifying the helicopter as a cornerstone of modern military and law enforcement operations. With deployment slated to augment Belgium’s defense architecture, the H145M is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding national interests and responding to dynamic security challenges.
This procurement decision aligns Belgium with a global community of H145M users, reinforcing its commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to bolster national security and operational readiness in an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.
