2026-04-15

Following the early phase-out of the NH90 TTH in 2025, a significant gap has emerged in the heavy transport capacity of the Belgian Defence. Although the acquisition of light H145M helicopters provides support, these aircraft are insufficient for heavy-duty tasks such as transporting heavy artillery or fully equipped Special Operations Forces (SOF). To address this, the Strategic Vision 2025 allocates a budget of 1.289 billion euros for approximately eleven medium-to-heavy transport helicopters. This project is intended to enable Belgium to fully contribute to tactical airlift, medical evacuations, and NATO obligations starting from 2028-2030.
The Boeing CH-47F Chinook Block II is seen as the favorite, partly because Minister Theo Francken explicitly mentioned it as a serious option in 2025. The major advantage of the Chinook is its high level of interoperability with the Netherlands and Germany. Furthermore, it is a battle-proven platform, and it is likely that the CH-47 can also be manufactured in Europe, specifically in Italy (by Leonardo), which would increase European industrial involvement.
The Airbus H225M Caracal is al possible European alternative for sovereignty reasons. However, the Caracal cannot be considered a heavy transport helicopter. Nevertheless, it would fit perfectly into the Search and Rescue (SAR) file. Choosing the Caracal would offer fleet synergy benefits but would come at the direct expense of the primary requirement: a robust, heavy transport platform.
The AW101 remains an interesting option (we think), as this aircraft has a proven track record within Europe as a heavy helicopter. The great strength of this platform lies in the combination of transport capacity and SAR suitability; by choosing the AW101, one kills two birds with one stone and optimizes the fleet structure.
The official 'Strategic Vision 2025' policy document includes a section on transport capacity in which the CH47, Caracal and CH-53 is explicitly pictured.Combined with recent reporting from the industry publication Janes, this sparked rumors regarding a potential interest in the Seahawk and the CH-53K. Nevertheless, the acquisition of the CH-53K currently appears unrealistic.

Source & photos: The Boeing Company Lockheed Martin Airbus Helicopters Strategic Vision 2025, Belgische Kamer van Volksvertegenwoordigers: Verslagen van commissievergaderingen voor Defensie (2025), Leonardo
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Source: Aviation Day