Belgium declares IOC for naval NH90 helo

[Zarvan]

One of the four NH90 NFH helicopters that Belgium is procuring to replace its ageing Sea Kings. The army is to receive four NH90 TTH helicopters of its own as part of an armed forces-wide revamp of the country's rotary-winged capabilities. Source: Airbus
Belgium has declared its NHIndustries NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) to be operationally ready, it was announced on 21 August.

With three of its four NH90 NFH helicopters now in service with the Naval Component of the Belgian Armed Forces, initial operational capability (IOC) was declared for 40 Squadron at Koksijde air base.

The fourth and final NH90 NFH helicopter is scheduled to be handed over in early 2016, ahead of a two-year transition process as the type replaces the Westland Sea King by the end of 2018.

An infographic showing the NH90's specifications. (IHS/Gareth Jennings)

In Naval Component service, the NH90 will be used for land-based search and rescue, as well as as an embarked maritime helicopter aboard the Karel Doorman-class (M) frigates (replacing the Aerospatiale SA 316B Alouette III helicopters).

In addition to the four NFH-variant NH90s to be operated by the navy, the Belgian Land Component has received four Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) variants. These army helicopters were declared IOC in May.

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Belgium declares IOC for naval NH90 helo - IHS Jane's 360