Multi-Role Helicopter Gaining Prominence in Europe

Airbus announced yesterday that the Kingdom of Belgium will acquire 17 of its H145M multi-role light utility helicopters. The contract was signed between the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) and Airbus Helicopters in a ceremony at the Eurosatory 2024 trade show for defense and security in Paris.

The first aircraft are anticipated to be delivered in 2026 and the contract includes the necessary equipment and associated support services for an initial period of five years.

NSPA serves as a procurement agency representing the smaller members of the alliance, however, Belgium will retain full operational control of the aircraft. The acquisition is a principal element of Belgium’s STAR program (Security, Service, Technology, Ambition, and Resilience) within the Ministry of Defense.

The H14M is the military variant of the twin-engine H145 that has the capability to be rapidly reconfigured in minutes from a light attack platform to a special operations role with fast rappelling gear, and the full equipment list also includes the required apparatus for hoisting and external cargo hauling.

The H145M is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines with FADEC, a Helionix digital avionics suite and flight data management which includes a high-performance 4-axis autopilot. It is also one of the quietest helicopters in its class.

Globally, the combined family of H145 helicopters has amassed more than 7 million flight hours and operators of the M model are Germany, Hungary, Serbia, Luxembourg, Cyprus, the UK, Brunei, and Thailand. The US Army utilizes nearly 500 of the H145 family built by Airbus Group’s American Eurocopter division and operating as the UH-72 Lakota. 

Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters said, “We are proud that Belgium is joining the growing community of H145M users. In Europe, the robust multi-role helicopter is becoming the reference for tactical airlift capability, special operations, and medical evacuation missions. We are sure that the H145M will quickly become a key asset to the Belgian defense and security portfolio.”

FMI:  www.airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters, www.nspa.nato.int