Twin-engine medium sized multi-role helicopter

 

 

    On 31 May 2024 the Belgian Council of Ministers approved the acquisition of 15 multi-role H145M helicopters as well as two helicopters and 3 options for the Federal Police. In June 2024 the contract was signed between the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA), on behalf of Belgium and Airbus Helicopters.

    The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter that provides a broad range of mission capabilities. To help this multi-role capabilities the Belgian H145M’s will be equipped with emergency floatation gear, hoist, rappelling equipment, dual cargo hook, high-density seating, light armor protection, self-protection, pintle mount FN MAG 7.62 mm general-purpose machine gun, electro-optical system (EOS) package and a Bucher EMS Kit (a modular, flexible system for converting helicopter interiors to a medical configuration for emergency services). Powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines, the H145M is equipped with Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). Additionally, the helicopter is equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite which, in addition to innovative flight data management, includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, which significantly reduces the pilot’s workload during missions. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145M the quietest helicopter in its category.

The first Belgian Air Force H145M has been completed at Airbus Helicopters Donauwörth (D.) facility at the end of October 2025 with the first flight expected soon. The Belgian Air Force H145M will receive serials between RL01 and RL15 with the first delivery foreseen in September 2026 while the final machine RL15 is planned to be transferred to the Belgian Air Force in June 2027. The first three aircraft will initially be retained with the manufacturer for further testing and development work. In late November 2025 the Belgian Council of Ministers approved the purchase of three additional helicopters. The Federal Police paid the advance for two other helicopters and Defense will pay the remaining amount. In the event of a serious crisis, these five aircraft will be able to reinforce the 15 helicopters previously purchased. (Daniel Brackx)