SAR IOC for Belgian NH-90s

摘要

Belgian Defence - Air Component's 40 Sqn declared Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for search and rescue (SAR) missions with the NH-90NFH on August 21. The squadron has three NH-90NFHs operational at Koksijde Air Base with a fourth scheduled to arrive early next year. They will gradually replace the three 40-year-old Sea King Mk.48s. The SAR stand-by duties will be split between the NH-90 (2/3) and the Sea King (1/3) until the latter is phased out, which is planned for 2018.