2026-04-20

The arrival of the Airbus H145M marks a historic turning point for the Belgian Air Component at Beauvechain air base. The H145M makes way for a technologically advanced platform that will play a key role in transport, medical evacuation, firefighting, and complex operations with Special Forces. This transition transforms not only the fleet but also the entire way personnel and resources are prepared for their future missions.
A significant milestone in this process took place on Friday, November 14, 2025, when the first Belgian H145M made its successful test flight at the Airbus Helicopters facility in Donauwörth, Germany. This flight marks the beginning of the final technical testing phase before deliveries to Belgium officially commence. According to the current schedule, the first aircraft will land in Beauvechain in the spring of 2026, after which the fleet will be replenished monthly until the full delivery is completed by the end of 2027. This coincides with the planned retirement of the Agusta A109, which is being phased out after more than thirty years of service.
Preparation for this new capability is already in full swing. Recently, the technicians of the 1st Wing were officially recognized during a ceremony led by the Air Chief, Lieutenant General Aviator De Decker. Since September 2025, technicians have been following a specialized six-week program, divided into theory, practice, and a specific module on the engine. At the same time, flight crews are preparing: the first pilots will start their industrial training in January 2026, with the goal of having Belgian Type Rating Instructors available by the summer of 2026.
The choice of the H145M also offers great international advantages. The aircraft is considered a benchmark and is already used by partners such as Germany, Luxembourg, and the United States. For the Belgian Special Forces, interoperability with Germany is a major asset; since both countries use the same type of helicopter for special operations, joint training and missions are significantly facilitated. Thanks to an advanced communication system, the H145M can also seamlessly exchange data with other parties on the battlefield, which is essential for modern, digitized warfare and cooperation with ground troops.
The greatest strength of the H145M, however, lies in its unprecedented versatility. Thanks to modular mission kits, the aircraft can be reconfigured within an hour for a completely different task: from armed escorts and troop transport to search and rescue operations or firefighting. With this flexibility and a wide range of future weapon systems, the Air Force is ready for diverse scenarios, ranging from humanitarian aid to combat operations. In Beauvechain, the team is already prepared; while the machine may be new, the expertise is already fully embedded in the organization through years of preparation.

Source and photos : Defensie - La Défense - Belgian Defence Belgian Air Force, K Moens, Airbus Helicopters Cara Irina Wagner
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#airbus #H145M #airbushelicopters #helicopter #SpecialForces #SOF #SpecialOperations #Medevac #SearchAndRescue #PilotTraining #MilitaryTechnician #TacticalAviation #SpecializedTraining.

Source: Aviation Day