Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first H145M helicopter to the Kingdom of Belgium, marking a major milestone in the modernisation of the nation’s defence and security capabilities. The aircraft is part of a wider procurement contract signed in 2024 via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to equip both the Belgian armed forces and the Federal Police. Highlighting the growing momentum of the programme, Belgium has also recently exercised its option for three additional H145M helicopters, bringing the nation’s total fleet on order to 20 aircraft. The H145M is a multi-role military helicopter that provides a broad range of mission capabilities. Within minutes, the helicopter can be reconfigured from a light attack role with axial ballistic and guided weapons and a state-of-the-art self-protection system into a special operations version with fast-rappelling equipment. The comprehensive mission packages include hoisting and external cargo capabilities. Its ability to seamlessly integrate into networked combat and team with uncrewed aerial systems, backed by advanced digital connectivity, makes it the most capable helicopter in its class.
“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. “This platform has become the definitive European reference for military multi-mission capabilities. Belgium’s decision to extend their 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,” he added.
The H145M is the military version of the tried-and-tested, light twin-engine H145 helicopter. The global fleet of the H145 family has accumulated more than 8.5 million flight hours. It is used by armed forces and law enforcement agencies around the world for the most demanding missions. The US Army employs almost 500 helicopters from the H145 family under the name UH-72 Lakota. Germany has ordered up to 82 H145M helicopters, with deliveries currently ongoing. Other military operators of the H145 family include Hungary, Serbia, Luxembourg, Thailand, Ecuador, and Honduras. Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145M is fitted with a full authority digital engine control (FADEC). In addition, the helicopter is equipped with the Helionix digital avionics suite which, alongside innovative flight data management, includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, reducing pilot workload during missions. Its particularly low acoustic footprint makes the H145M the quietest helicopter in its class.
Airbus Helicopters SAS (formerly Eurocopter S.A., trading as Eurocopter Group) is the helicopter manufacturing division of Airbus. It is the largest in the industry in terms of revenues and turbine helicopter deliveries, holding 48% of the worldwide market share as of 2020.[3] Its head office is located at Marseille Provence Airport in Marignane, France, near Marseille. The main facilities of Airbus Helicopters are at its headquarters in Marignane, France, and in Donauwörth, Germany, with additional production plants in Spain, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Romania, the United Kingdom and the United States. The company, originally named Eurocopter, was rebranded Airbus Helicopters on 2 January 2014.
