Last year, Luxembourg's army ordered two brand new helicopters, which will be operational by 1 January 2020.

The military helicopters are multi-functional aircraft of the Airbus H145M type. They were purchased to strengthen the aerial fleet of Luxembourg's army and boost the country's involvement with NATO. The police will also be able to rely on the helicopters for special operations.

The new helicopters are different from the MD-902 Explorer helicopters that Luxembourg Air Rescue currently use.

Specialised training for pilots

In his parliamentary response to MPs Gilles Baum and Max Hahn, Minister of Defense François Bausch explained that these helicopters will require pilots to undergo specialised training.

Luxembourg's contract with Airbus foresees not only the delivery of the helicopters and the supply of specific tools as well as spare parts, but also the training of 10 pilots.

The ministry cannot provide details about the costs of this training due do a commercial confidentiality clause insisted upon by Airbus.

A maximum of 11 passengers

The two helicopters come at a price of €24 million. Annual maintenance costs reach €3 million. Airbus H145M helicopters are still relatively new.

Only four years ago, the first of its kind was delivered to Germany to strengthen the national army. They were also bought by England, Thailand, Hungary and Serbia, and have a maximum passenger capacity of 11 people.