Armed Forces and Federal Police of Belgium select Airbus H145M aircraft for their armament.
The Kingdom of Belgium has announced its acquisition of 17 H145M helicopters, marking a significant expansion of the helicopter's user community. This versatile, light twin-engine aircraft will play a crucial role in the Belgian defence and security portfolio.
The H145M is the military variant of the civil H145, designed for rapid deployment and adaptability in various military roles. It offers a wide range of mission capabilities, from reconnaissance and attack to transport, all within minutes of reconfiguration.
Powered by two Safran Arriel 2E engines, the H145M is renowned for its advanced digital avionics, compatibility with modern weapon systems such as the Spike LR2 anti-tank missile, and a reduced maintenance footprint compared to heavier models like the NH90.
The helicopter's features include the Helionix digital avionics suite, a high-performance 4-axis autopilot, and full authority digital engine control (FADEC). Its mission packages encompass hoisting and external cargo capabilities, making it a valuable asset for a variety of tasks.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, expressed pride in Belgium joining the H145M user community, which already includes countries such as Hungary, Serbia, Thailand, Luxembourg, Cyprus, Brunei, the United Kingdom, and Germany. In fact, Germany operates 16 H145M LUH SOF and 8 H145 LUH SAR helicopters and has recently ordered up to 82 additional helicopters of this type.
The H145M's advantages extend beyond its versatility. Its rapid deployment capacity, modern avionics that enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency, and optimisation for light tactical operations provide NATO and allied forces with reliable tactical lift capacity at a reduced cost per flight hour.
Moreover, the H145M is the quietest helicopter in its class, boasting a particularly low acoustic footprint. This makes it an ideal choice for covert operations and medical evacuation missions.
As the global fleet of the H145 family has accumulated over seven million flight hours, the H145M is becoming the reference for tactical airlift capability, special operations, and medical evacuation missions in Europe.
With the signing of the procurement contract between the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) and Airbus Helicopters, Belgium is set to receive 15 H145M helicopters for its army and 2 for its Federal Police, with options for an additional 3 for the Federal Police. This acquisition underscores Belgium's commitment to modernising its military equipment and enhancing its operational capabilities.
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The H145M's advanced digital avionics and compatibility with modern weapon systems like the Spike LR2 anti-tank missile make it a valuable asset in the aerospace and defense sector, while its reduced maintenance footprint and lower cost per flight hour compared to heavier models such as the NH90 are attractive factors in the finance industry.
Belgium's acquisition of 15 H145M helicopters for its army and 2 for its Federal Police, with options for an additional 3 for the Federal Police, demonstrates the Kingdom's investment in technology-driven solutions to modernize its military equipment and enhance operational capabilities, aligning with the increasing trend of technology integration in the industry.
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