Belgium selects Airbus H145M for its Armed Forces and Federal Police aircraft fleet
Headline: Belgium Joins Growing Community of H145M Users for Military and Police Helicopters
The H145M, a versatile and advanced multi-role military helicopter, is set to join the Belgian defence and security portfolio. This announcement follows the Kingdom of Belgium's agreement to purchase 17 H145M helicopters, replacing older models.
The H145M is the military version of the light twin-engine H145 helicopter, equipped with full authority digital engine control (FADEC) and the Helionix digital avionics suite, which includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot. This technology reduces the pilot's workload, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
The H145M is renowned for its low acoustic footprint, making it the quietest helicopter in its class. This feature is particularly beneficial for covert missions and disaster relief operations where noise reduction is crucial. The helicopter can be armed with weapons such as Euro-GATR guided missiles for combat roles.
Moreover, the H145M offers hoisting and external cargo capabilities, making it suitable for a broad range of missions, including combat search and rescue (CSAR), liaison, tactical transport, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, fire support, disaster relief, and training. It can be quickly reconfigured for various roles, including light attack, special operations, and medical evacuation.
Apart from Belgium, other countries that currently operate or have ordered the H145M include Germany, Luxembourg, Ecuador, Serbia, Hungary, Brunei, Ireland, Cyprus, and the United Kingdom. Germany, for instance, operates 16 H145M LUH SOF and 8 H145 LUH SAR helicopters and has recently ordered up to 82 additional helicopters of this type.
The global fleet of the H145 family has accumulated more than seven million flight hours, reflecting its reliability and popularity among armed and law enforcement forces around the world. The H145M is a key asset to the defence and security forces of multiple continents.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed his pride in Belgium joining the growing community of H145M users, stating, "We are delighted that Belgium is joining the growing community of H145M users. This versatile helicopter will be a valuable asset to the Belgian defence and security forces for many years to come."
References:
[1] milmag.pl (2025-08-01) [3] milmag.pl (2025-08-04) [5] hungarytoday.hu (2025-07-19) [4] battle-updates.com (2025-08-01)
The H145M, with its advanced technology and versatile capabilities, will benefit from the reduced pilot workload thanks to features like the Helionix digital avionics suite and the high-performance 4-axis autopilot. The H145M, with its impressive global fleet of seven million flight hours, is a key asset to the defence and security forces of multiple continents, as seen in the growing community of users that includes Belgium, among other countries.
