Belgium receives first Airbus H145M helicopter as fleet expands to 20 aircraft

Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first H145M military helicopter to the Kingdom of Belgium, marking the beginning of a major fleet modernisation programme for both the Belgian Armed Forces and the Federal Police.

The delivery follows a procurement contract signed in 2024 through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), under which Belgium ordered a fleet of H145M helicopters to enhance its defence, security and law enforcement capabilities. The programme has recently gained further momentum after Belgium exercised an option for three additional aircraft, increasing its total order to 20 helicopters.

“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,” said Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters.

“The 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 designed for a wide variety of missions, ranging from troop transport and special operations to reconnaissance, casualty evacuation and light attack missions. Thanks to its modular design, the aircraft can be rapidly reconfigured between mission profiles, including armed operations with guided and ballistic weapons, or special forces deployments using fast-rappelling equipment.

The helicopter is also equipped with hoisting systems and external cargo capabilities, while advanced digital connectivity enables integration into networked combat environments and cooperation with uncrewed aerial systems.

The H145M is the military variant of Airbus’ twin-engine H145 helicopter family, which has accumulated more than 8.5 million flight hours worldwide. The type is widely used by military and law enforcement operators across the globe.

Among the largest operators is the United States Army, which flies nearly 500 aircraft from the H145 family under the designation UH-72 Lakota. In Europe, Germany has ordered up to 82 H145M helicopters, with deliveries continuing. Other military users include Hungary, Serbia, Luxembourg, Thailand, Ecuador and Honduras.

Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines with full authority digital engine control (FADEC), the H145M features Airbus’ Helionix digital avionics suite and a four-axis autopilot system designed to reduce pilot workload and enhance operational safety. Airbus also highlights the helicopter’s low acoustic signature, describing it as the quietest aircraft in its class.

The arrival of the first H145M represents a significant step in Belgium’s efforts to modernise its rotary-wing capabilities while strengthening interoperability with NATO allies already operating the type.