Belgium's naval version of the NH90 helicopter, the Caiman, reached its search and rescue initial operational capability at Coxyde on the North Sea on Aug. 24.
The Caiman is now on standby, alternating two out of three weeks with the Sea Kings it is replacing by the end of the year.
It has taken three years for Belgium's 40th squadron to achieve this capability.
The Caiman on standby is flown by two women, a historical first for Belgium.
Belgian Defense has produced a video on the subject.