Belgium’s rotary-wing force is in transition following the retirement in 2025 of four NH90 TTH helicopters due to cost and availability constraints, leaving four NH90 NFH aircraft in maritime and anti-submarine roles. The NH90 NFH continues to operate from Koksijde Air Base for coastal SAR and naval support, but the STAR plan provides for four dedicated SAR helicopters to assume rescue duties from 2026-2027 onward, supported by an investment of €232 million, including infrastructure. Belgium has also ordered 17 Airbus H145M helicopters in June 2024, later expanded by five additional units in 2025, bringing the combined Defence and Federal Police fleet to 20 aircraft with deliveries beginning in 2026 and service entry by the end of 2027. This restructuring separates light utility, SAR, and heavy lift functions into distinct fleets and frames the MH-60R within the SAR requirement.
