Air Force Chinook helicopters to be operational again soon
The Chinook transport helicopters currently grounded in Belgium will likely be operational again later today. The aircraft had to temporarily stop flying due to a technical investigation. This investigation was necessary following an incident with a similar aircraft abroad, with precautionary measures taken for the safety of the crew.
The Belgian military emphasizes that grounding the fleet is a standard procedure when there is any doubt regarding the technical condition of the helicopters. The safety of pilots and personnel is always the top priority in such decisions. Experts have spent the last few hours thoroughly checking the engines and technical systems of the helicopters.
Chinook helicopters play an important role in military operations and humanitarian aid in Belgium. They are frequently used for transporting heavy equipment or supporting rescue operations. The temporary grounding of the fleet therefore had an impact on this week's planned exercises.
Now that the inspections are nearly complete, it is expected that the helicopters will be cleared for takeoff later today. No evidence of structural defects has been found in the Belgian aircraft. The Air Force will continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the fleet's operational readiness.