Belgium: Strategische Visie 2030 - New helicopters, additional tanker, drones,...

[nils]

according to an article in La Libre Belgique, MoD Ludivine Dedonder is making changes to the current strategic plan for the future of the Belgian Armed Forces.

https://twitter.com/Stoonbrace/status/1 ... 4289472514

roughly translated, changes and new investment plans are as follows:

-replacement of 4 NH90-TTH (and remaining A109BAi's) by 14 LUH (likely H145M) and 4 large heavylift helicopters (Chinook?).
-purchase of 4 new SAR helicopters, making the NH90-NFH available for dedicated MAR/ASW missions.
-investemnt in an additional Airbus A330-MRTT
-purchase of a 3rd ASW Frigate.

https://www.aviation24.be/military-airc ... -missiles/

there has been rumors regarding the LUH that the Air Force might work together with the Federal Police (RAGO) o operating a single common helicopter type. these will replace the RAGO's current MD902's and MD520's.

[nils]

it has been confirmed that the BAF will indeed recieve 18 new helicopters, 14 LUH and 4 Heavy lift.
the NH90-TTH will be taken out of service, althought its unclear if they will be sold or used as a spares source for the NFH variants.
the NH90-NFH will be releaved of the SAR mission and focus completly on the ASW/MAR mission. to replace these in the SAR role, 4 new helicopters will be aquired, anthough the article does not state if this will be a new type or drawn from the future LUH fleet.

https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20220121_94502119

the proposed investment of a 2nd A330-MRTT appears to have been drops on funding issues.

[nils]

Update:

https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2022/01/27 ... eer-milit/

https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2022/01/27 ... s-kopen-p/

there will be more investments then first planned, in Air assets we will have:

-15 x Airbus H145M (replace A109BAi and NH90-TTH)
-4 or 5 heavy lift helicopters, possible CH-47F Chinook.
-possibly a 5th NH90-NFH
-3 fixed wing utility aircraft for SpecOps, type Pilatus (possibly PC-12)
-3 additonal MQ-9B SkyGuardans (on top of the 2 already ordered)

[Canberra TT.18]

No news on a replacement of the more then 50 year old SF260?
Or is this no part of strategic vision?

[nils]

No news on a replacement of the more then 50 year old SF260?
Or is this no part of strategic vision?

i was wondering the same thing, no news yet on that front.
most likely they will outsource it.

[michel N]

As they want to stop flying the Marchetti in 2023, they have to hurry making a decision for its replacement

[nils]

Boeing's sales manager has hinted that belgium has requested pricing on the CH-47F Chinook.

[SniperEye]

As my knowledge of military helicopters is limited, why should the H145M be a good replacement for the NH-90. H145M is a light utility helicopter if I'm right and the NH-90 a medium lift multi role helicopter if I'm right.

[michel N]

As my knowledge of military helicopters is limited, why should the H145M be a good replacement for the NH-90. H145M is a light utility helicopter if I'm right and the NH-90 a medium lift multi role helicopter if I'm right.

It’s probably more of a replacement of the A-109, and for the heavier duties Belgium will order bigger helos. Most likely the Chinook.

[Stratofreighter]

...and some "official" news...

https://www.hln.be/binnenland/ministerr ... ~af4f8025/
/
https://translate.google.com/

Ministerraad koopt 20 helikopters voor Defensie en politie
De ministerraad heeft vrijdag zijn fiat gegeven voor de aankoop van twintig helikopters: vijftien voor het leger en vijf voor de federale politie. De operatie verloopt via de aankoopcentrale van de NAVO. Naar verwachting worden de eerste toestellen al in 2026 geleverd.

kv 10-03-23, 16:52 Bron: BELGA
Het STAR-plan van minister van Defensie Ludivine Dedonder (PS) verwees al naar de aankoop van vijftien zogenaamde light utility-helikopters. Die komen in de plaats van de huidige toestellen van het type Agusta en NH90. Daardoor moet Defensie de komende jaren beschikken over een performante tactische luchttransportcapaciteit voor de Special Operations en een luchtmobiele medische evacuatiecapaciteit.

Maar daarnaast worden dus ook vijf extra helikopters aangekocht ter vervanging van de helikoptervloot van de federale politie. Dat Defensie en de federale politie over dezelfde toestellen beschikken, moet de samenwerking versterken op het vlak van technische ondersteuning, opleiding en de uitvoering van bepaalde opdrachten.

[foufure]

Update:

https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2022/01/27 ... eer-milit/

https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2022/01/27 ... s-kopen-p/

there will be more investments then first planned, in Air assets we will have:

-15 x Airbus H145M (replace A109BAi and NH90-TTH)
-4 or 5 heavy lift helicopters, possible CH-47F Chinook.
-possibly a 5th NH90-NFH
-3 fixed wing utility aircraft for SpecOps, type Pilatus (possibly PC-12)
-3 additonal MQ-9B SkyGuardans (on top of the 2 already ordered)

-5 x Airbus H145M are also in the study as remplacement of the Police MD902 Explorer.