Through his social media accounts, Belgium’s Minister of Defence, Theo Francken, confirmed plans to begin decommissioning the Belgian Air Force’s (Composante air) problematic NH90 TTH transport helicopters starting this September. Their replacement has already been secured with the acquisition of fifteen (15) new H145M helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026.
The NH90 program has faced serious issues for years across several European armed forces, including low availability rates, high maintenance costs, and chronic delays — prompting reconsideration of its operational value. Minister Francken was blunt, stating: “The four NH90 TTH helicopters will be taken out of service starting in September. It was a bad purchase. Their maintenance is extremely expensive. The replacements will arrive in 2026.” Belgium currently operates a fleet of eight (8) NH90 NFH variants for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue missions, and four (4) NH90 TTH helicopters for tactical transport missions.
By June 2024, in light of these issues, the Belgian Ministry of Defence placed a NATO-coordinated order for 15 new H145M helicopters from Airbus Helicopters. These aircraft will not only replace the NH90 TTH fleet but also the country’s remaining 10 AgustaWestland AW109 helicopters, which have been in service since 1992.
Belgium is opting for a mixed strategy: while the NH90 NFH helicopters will remain in service for naval operations, the lighter and more cost-effective H145Ms will assume the tactical transport roles previously carried out by the TTHs. However, the long-term future of the NH90 NFH fleet remains under review, and a replacement is not ruled out, following the example set by Norway.
This decision reflects a growing trend in Europe toward more cost-effective alternatives in response to the NH90’s persistent problems. Norway, for instance, cancelled its fleet of 14 NH90s in 2022 (only 3–4 of which were operational) and terminated its 2001 contract with NHIndustries, choosing the U.S.-made MH-60R Seahawk as a replacement. Similarly, Australia retired its 47 MRH-90 Taipan helicopters (the local NH90 variant) in 2024 after a fatal crash during Exercise Talisman Sabre, opting instead for the UH-60M Black Hawk.
Sweden has also reduced its fleet of 18 NH90s, retiring 8 aircraft in 2023 due to low availability, while exploring alternatives such as the UH-60M Black Hawk to fill the operational gap. These examples show that, in the face of recurring NH90 failures, more and more countries are prioritizing platforms with proven reliability and robust logistical support.
*Photos used for illustrative purposes
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