Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first H145M military helicopter to the Kingdom of Belgium, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to modernise its defence and security capabilities.
The delivery forms part of a 2024 procurement contract signed through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), which will provide H145M helicopters to both the Belgian Armed Forces and the Federal Police. In a further boost to the programme, Belgium has exercised an option for three additional aircraft, increasing its total H145M order to 20 helicopters.
The milestone reflects growing confidence in the H145M platform, which has become one of Europe’s leading multi-role military 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. “Belgium’s decision to extend its 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.”
Designed for a wide range of military missions, the H145M can be rapidly reconfigured between operational roles. The helicopter can transition from a light-attack configuration equipped with ballistic and guided weapons to a special-operations platform featuring fast-rappelling equipment. Additional mission capabilities include hoisting operations, external cargo transport, and integration with uncrewed aerial systems through advanced digital connectivity.
The H145M is the military variant of the twin-engine H145 helicopter family, which has accumulated more than 8.5 million flight hours worldwide. Military and law enforcement agencies widely use the aircraft for demanding operational missions.
Among its largest operators, the United States Army flies nearly 500 helicopters from the H145 family under the UH-72 Lakota designation. Germany has also ordered up to 82 H145M helicopters, with deliveries currently underway. Other operators include Hungary, Serbia, Luxembourg, Thailand, Ecuador, and Honduras.
Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines with full authority digital engine control (FADEC), the H145M is equipped with Airbus Helicopters’ Helionix digital avionics suite and a four-axis autopilot system designed to reduce pilot workload. The helicopter also features one of the lowest acoustic signatures in its class, enhancing its suitability for a broad range of military and security missions.
The first delivery to Belgium marks the beginning of a larger fleet introduction programme that will strengthen the country’s operational capabilities while further expanding the H145M’s presence across Europe.
