Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first H145M to Belgium, the initial aircraft from an order placed through the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA).

The helicopter is part of a 2024 agreement covering aircraft for both the Belgian Armed Forces and the country's Federal Police. Belgium has since exercised options for three additional helicopters, increasing its total order to 20 H145Ms.

The H145M is the military variant of Airbus' H145 light twin-engine helicopter and is used for missions ranging from troop transport and special operations support to medical evacuation and reconnaissance.

Belgium joins a growing list of European operators of the type. Germany is currently receiving H145Ms under an order for up to 82 aircraft, while Hungary, Luxembourg and Serbia also operate the helicopter.

German H145M
German H145M

The Belgian acquisition forms part of a broader fleet renewal effort across several European armed forces, many of which are replacing older light helicopters with newer multi-role platforms.

The H145M can be equipped for a variety of missions and incorporates Airbus' Helionix avionics suite and a four-axis autopilot. The aircraft is powered by two Safran Arriel 2E turboshaft engines.

The H145 family has accumulated more than 8.5 million flight hours worldwide. Besides military operators, the helicopter is widely used by police agencies, emergency medical services and civil operators.