The Belgian government has endorsed the procurement of five more Airbus H145M helicopters, a move that will expand the combined Defence and Federal Police fleet to 20 units once deliveries are completed. The approval came during a meeting of the Council of Ministers, confirming Belgium’s intention to accelerate its ongoing helicopter modernisation programme. The announcement followed closely after the first Belgian H145M successfully performed its test flight in Germany, marking a key milestone in the country’s aviation upgrade plan.
Under the new acquisition, three helicopters will be allocated to Defence, while the Federal Police will receive two additional airframes, funded through a deposit already submitted. Defence Minister Theo Francken and Interior Minister Bernard Quintin stated that the expanded fleet will significantly bolster internal security missions, cross-agency operations, and national crisis-response capabilities.
The latest order is designed to operate seamlessly alongside the previously contracted 15 H145M helicopters, creating a cohesive and scalable force of 20 aircraft for rapid deployment. In emergency situations, these newly added helicopters will reinforce the initial fleet, ensuring Belgium can field a full complement of air assets without operational delays. Defence will maintain complete responsibility for upkeep, navigability, and financial oversight, ensuring that all aircraft remain under one unified management system.
Belgium’s decision reflects a broader effort to modernise its rotary-wing capability with a versatile, multi-role helicopter platform widely used across Europe. The H145M’s modular configuration, low operating cost, and advanced mission equipment are expected to significantly enhance the country’s operational flexibility in defence, policing, and disaster-response roles.
