Belgian Defense to invest in new helicopters.

According to the Belgian newspaper La Libre Belgique, the Belgian Minister of Defense Ludivine Dedonder wants to add 3 billion euros to the 2016 strategic plan for new equipment. The main part of the additional budget will be invested in new helicopters.

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Belgian NH90 TTH of the Land Component during a demo with Belgian Special Forces at Beauvechain Air Base (Picture source: Army Recognition)

As we reported on June 2020, the Belgian army already reduced flight plan for NH-90 TTH helicopters. The measurements related to the TTH version of the NH-90 Caiman were due to its limited operational production due to imperfect industrial support (which threatens to decrease in the coming years) due to very expensive but necessary upgrades and shortages in staff. The Belgian Defense has chosen to focus primarily on the NFH version (NATO Frigate Helicopter), which, in its maritime role, must increase the efficiency of the frigates and at the same time ensure the SAR (Search and Rescue) mission.

It is now said that the Air Component of the Belgian Armed Forces plans to buy 18 new helicopters as a replacement for the NH90-TTH medium-sized, twin-engine, multi-role military helicopter and the Agusta A109 lightweight, twin-engine, multi-purpose helicopter.

The 18 helicopters are to be divided in 14 light helicopters and 4 heavier ones, together capable of transporting a combat company of one hundred men.