Belgium is poised to make its largest ammunition purchase ever while simultaneously retiring its NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopters (TTHs), labeling the rotorcraft a „bad purchase,” according to Defense Minister Francken.
Record-Breaking Ammunition Buy: Strengthening Belgium’s Defense
Francken announced that the country is planning a €2.3 billion ($2.7 billion) ammunition procurement package, which will be submitted to the Belgian federal cabinet next week. „We’re making our country’s biggest ammunition purchase to date,” Francken stated, emphasizing the move’s significance in bolstering Belgium’s defense capabilities.
NH90 Retirement: A „Bad Purchase”
In a critical assessment of the NH90, which has faced similar cancellations or premature endings in Australia, Norway, and Sweden, Francken revealed that Belgium’s four TTH standard aircraft will be „decommissioned from September” due to their „extremely expensive” maintenance costs. Replacements are expected in 2026, although the specific helicopter model has yet to be announced.
NHIndustries and Airbus Respond: Request for Comment Unanswered
NHIndustries (NHI), the manufacturer of the NH90 and a joint venture between Airbus, Leonardo, and GKN Fokker, had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication.
NH90 Upgrade Program: Belgium’s Involvement
Belgium is one of four partner nations, along with Germany, Italy, and The Netherlands, participating in the NH90 Block 1/Software Release 3 upgrade program. This initiative aims to significantly enhance the capabilities of both the TTH and NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) configurations, including the integration of a new Link 22 datalink, Leonardo’s LEOSS-T Electro-Optical gimbal, sonar equipment, and additional weapons.
Mine Countermeasures Vessel Delay: An „Unfortunate Accident”
Francken also reported a delay in the delivery of the Belgian Navy M940 Oostende, the first ship of the City-class mine countermeasures vessels, due to an „unfortunate accident at the [Naval Group] Lorient shipyard” in France. While attributing the incident to the company’s responsibility, Francken assured that there would be „no additional cost, but an annoying problem.”
Naval Group Confirmation: USV Integration Test Incident
Naval Group confirmed that „during a USV integration test with the M940 Oostende, the vessel collided with the floating pontoon and the USV, which was alongside during a maneuver.” Some material damage to the vessel’s bow and the USV was noted, but the sonar remained undamaged. Sea trials with the USV have been successfully completed, and the M940 has returned to the shipbuilder’s yard for repairs and final dry dock work.
Belgian-Dutch rMCM Program: Naval Group and Exail Supplying Vessels
As part of the Belgian-Dutch Replacement Mine CounterMeasure (rMCM) joint acquisition, Belgium Naval & Robotics, a consortium established by Naval Group and French supplier Exail, is contracted to supply 12 vessels to the two nations.
