Netherlands retires AB-412 helicopters

As of 1 January, the Netherlands' Ministry of Defence has taken its characteristic yellow AB-412 search and rescue (SAR) helicopters out of service.

These helicopters, which flew for Defence Helicopter Command, are to be disposed of. Consequently the 303 Squadron, stationed at Leeuwarden Air Base, will be disbanded in the near future.

The AB-412s are being divested on account of the introduction of the new NH90 maritime helicopter.

The defence organisation will nevertheless remain responsible for medical evacuations until an alternative has been found. In the coming period, two Cougar transport helicopters belonging to 300 Squadron will be deployed from Leeuwarden air base as a stopgap measure, allowing the department to guarantee medical evacuations for the islands until another party is given the task.

Noordzee Helikopters Vlaanderen has taken over the AB-412s SAR tasks from 1 January. These tasks usually involve searching for and rescuing persons missing at sea and carrying out evacuations on ships and oil rigs located in the North Sea.