Belgium has begun negotiations with the United States on the purchase of CH-53K King Stallion heavy transport helicopters and MH-60R Seahawk multi-role helicopters.
This was reported by Jane’s Defence analyst Gareth Jennings, citing the representatives of Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, and the US Navy Aviation Systems Command (NAVAIR).
According to information announced at the International Military Helicopter (IMH26) conference, the MH-60R Seahawk model is being offered to Belgium as a replacement for its fleet of NH90 helicopters.
The main purpose of these aircraft in the future will be search and rescue operations and maritime patrols.
As for the CH-53K heavy helicopters, they are intended to meet Belgium’s needs for the rapid deployment of heavy artillery and equipment across Europe.
The King Stallion is currently the most powerful transport helicopter in the Western arsenal, capable of lifting significant loads on an external sling.
As a reminder, Belgium is considering the possibility of purchasing an additional 11 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets in addition to the 34 units already ordered.
