Finally, bringing a troubled chapter to a close, the Belgian Ministry of Defence and the Belgian Air Force have confirmed that they will also proceed with the future retirement of the NH90 NFH helicopters, which are specialized in naval operations and search and rescue (SAR) missions over open seas. This decision mirrors what was announced months earlier regarding the NH90 TTH fleet.
Prior to this decision, the Belgian Air Force’s NH90 fleet consisted of a total of eight helicopters: four of the TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) variant and four NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) aircraft, used for troop transport and SAR missions, respectively. Both variants suffered from significant structural issues, resulting in a low availability rate throughout their operational life, at times dropping below 40%.
The retirement of the NH90 TTH fleet was announced in July 2025, with their replacement already defined through the ongoing adoption of the Airbus H145M helicopters, a lighter and more reliable platform for tactical transport and support missions. However, in the case of the NH90 NFH, despite confirmation of their forthcoming withdrawal, no replacement has yet been defined to take over the SAR missions they currently perform. The Belgian Ministry of Defence stated that alternatives and proposals will be evaluated in the coming months in order to secure a replacement as soon as possible, while ensuring continuity of operations from Koksijde Air Base.
The problematic relationship between the NH90 and its operators is not unique to Belgium. Norway cancelled its program in 2022 and is currently negotiating compensation with NHIndustries over the failed acquisition, while Australia also decided to retire its MRH-90 Taipan fleet, replacing it with the U.S.-built UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, considered more reliable for naval operations and troop transport.
In Belgium’s case, the comparison between both variants is clear: the NH90 TTH, dedicated to tactical transport, already has a replacement in the H145M, while the NH90 NFH, focused on maritime and SAR operations, still lacks a defined successor. The decision to retire both versions marks the end of a complex experience with the platform and opens a new chapter in the modernization of Belgium’s rotary-wing air capabilities.
Photographs used for illustrative purposes – Credits: Belgian Air Force / Ministry of Defence.
You may also be interested in: For US$79 million, the U.S. authorized the sale of Hellfire missiles for the Belgian Air Force’s new MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones
