THE DUTCH MOD has revealed it will replace the Royal Netherlands Air Force's (RNLAF's) fleet of AS532U2 Cougar medium-lift tactical transport helicopters - which are predominately used to support Special Operations Forces (SOF) missions - with 14 new-build H225M Caracal multi-mission tactical rotorcraft. An announcement regarding the purchase of the 14 H225Ms was made by state secretary Christophe van der Maat to the Dutch House of Representatives on June 5. As per the current schedule, H225M deliveries to the RNLAF will begin in 2028, two years before the 12-strong AS532U2 Cougar fleet is expected to be withdrawn from operational use in 2030, with the new helicopters being operated from Gilze-Rijen Air Base.
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