Belgium has taken delivery of its first H145M multi-role helicopter from Airbus, supporting the country’s military modernization efforts.
It is part of a 17-unit order from a June 2024 contract, acquired via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency, to equip the Belgian Armed Forces and Federal Police.
Brussels recently expanded its order to three more H145M choppers, leading to a total future fleet of 20 H145Ms.
With the twin-engine rotorcraft’s arrival, Belgium joins several other H145M European operators, including Germany, Hungary, and Serbia.
“This platform has become the definitive European reference for military multi-mission capabilities,” said Thomas Hein, Head of Europe Region at Airbus Helicopters, adding how Belgium’s additional order reflects the H145M’s ability to meet modern security challenges.
Multi-Role Helicopter
The H145M is the military version of the H145 helicopter family, whose variants are used by several countries for non-combat missions, including the US Army’s UH-72 Lakota and the British Army’s Jupiter HC Mk2.
It features advanced digital connectivity, can integrate into networked operations, and can work alongside uncrewed aerial systems.
Equipped with a modular mission package, the H145M can be rapidly reconfigured for roles ranging from light attack and special operations to search and rescue.
The helicopter is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines with full authority digital engine control (FADEC), features Airbus’ Helionix digital avionics suite, and has a low acoustic footprint.
It can fly at speeds reaching 268 kilometers (166 miles) per hour, with a range of up to 663 kilometers (411 miles).
