Belgium’s Strategic Vision 2025, approved by the Council of Ministers on July 18, formally confirms the country’s decision to acquire a fleet of medium and heavy transport helicopters to strengthen NATO commitments and close gaps in air mobility. The program is valued at €1.289 billion, with the first financial commitments scheduled to begin in 2033.
The new helicopters will primarily be tasked with transporting special operations forces and equipment, medical evacuation, and firefighting missions within Belgian territory. The move follows the decision to retire the costly and underutilized NH90 TTH fleet, with the first aircraft scheduled to leave service in September 2025.
Defense Minister Theo Francken recently stated that Belgium aims to procure 11 helicopters, with the Boeing CH-47F Chinook highlighted as a strong candidate. With no European option available in this class, the U.S.-built Chinook and Sikorsky CH-53 remain the leading contenders. Beauvechain Air Base, already the hub for rotary-wing operations, is expected to host the new fleet.
This procurement is part of a broader modernization effort that includes the acquisition of H145M light multirole helicopters, new search and rescue aircraft, and upgrades to the naval NH90 fleet. Together, these steps aim to restore Belgium’s lost heavy-lift capacity, improve operational flexibility, and align national capabilities more closely with NATO standards.
