According to unconfirmed Belgian sources earlier this week, the Air Force is about to announce the decision to deactivate the four NH90-TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) during the course of the summer of 2025. Rumours about the future of this helicopter already existed for some time but now it seems its fate has been sealed.

 

Soon after the NH90 came into service back in 2012 it became clear that the operational availability was disappointing. Added to that, the cost price per flying hour was very high and maintenance was depending on very specialised support. So now it seems that after Australia (the TTH version) and Norway (the NFH version) yet another country is axing the troubled helicopter.

 

In June 2024 the successor of the NH90-TTH and the antiquated Agusta A109BA (of which ten are still active) was already announced by Belgium when it placed an order through NATO for fifteen Airbus Helicopters H145M's. Delivery of that platform is expected between 2026 and 2027.