Belgian military investigates Chinese-linked takeover of helicopter firm
Belgium’s military intelligence service, ADIV, is investigating the helicopter
company NHV, based in Ostend, over concerns about national security.
NHV operates 27 helicopters that transport workers to offshore wind farms and
oil platforms in the North Sea. These sites are vital to the country’s energy
supply. The company is also bidding for a major Defence contract to maintain
new military helicopters.
Last year, it was announced that NHV would be taken over by Irish firm GD
Helicopter Finance. However, this company is owned by China’s GDAT. This
means NHV could effectively come under Chinese control.
The possible takeover has raised alarm within the Defence Ministry and the
federal government, VRT NWS writes. Officials fear that China could gain access
to sensitive infrastructure and military systems.
Belgium recently ordered 20 Airbus H145M helicopters for the army and police.
NHV is seeking to become a subcontractor for their maintenance. If the takeover
goes ahead, a Chinese-linked company could then be involved in servicing
military aircraft.
The government is now reviewing the case under new rules that allow foreign
investments in key sectors to be blocked for security reasons.