Key Points
- The Netherlands signed a contract with NHIndustries and NAHEMA to accumulate three extra NH90 NFH helicopters geared up with the newest SWR3 mission programs.
- NHIndustries stated the helicopters shall be assembled by Leonardo and delivered with upgraded sensors, Data Link 22, new sonics, and added weapon choices.
The Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force will obtain three extra NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters (NFHs) below a brand new contract signed at present between NHIndustries (NHI) and the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA), additional increasing the Dutch Navy’s maritime aviation fleet.
According to a press launch from NHIndustries, the helicopters shall be assembled by Leonardo in Italy and delivered with the newest Block 1 configuration, referred to as Software Release 3 (SWR3), which incorporates a number of upgraded mission programs.
Cristian Naso, Managing Director of NHIndustries, stated: “The three extra NFHs plane shall be assembled by Leonardo in Italy and delivered already embedding the newest Block-1 options, also referred to as Software Release 3 (SWR3), together with probably the most superior applied sciences such because the Data Link 22, next-generation electro-optical system, new built-in sonics and extra weaponry.”
– ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW –
Col. Dominique Troquete, Deputy Joint Executive Committee consultant of the Netherlands, emphasised the nation’s long-standing dedication to this system. “The Netherlands has been a part of the NH90 program from the very starting, as a founding nation in 1999. We acquired the primary NH90 in 2010 and we had been the primary nation to operationally use the NH90 in 2013 for counter-piracy operations in Somalia,” he stated. “Since then the NH90 has confirmed to be a weapon system with unrivalled operational capabilities and has turn into an indispensable asset of the Netherlands Ministry of Defence. This contract is yet one more new chapter to our long-standing cooperation within the NH90.”
Axel Aloccio, President of NHIndustries, added: “The Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force has constantly demonstrated its belief within the NH90 programme, ranging from the unique landmark funding to develop the platform, which secured 20 NFHs naval helicopters, as much as the lately renewed dedication.”
Michael Kohlhaas, General Manager of NAHEMA, stated the order reaffirms the Netherlands’ confidence within the NH90 platform. “The Netherlands’ acquisition of three extra NH90 helicopters reaffirms the excessive confidence in a confirmed and versatile platform, strengthening nationwide defence capabilities. This choice enhances the NH90 programme and represents a long-term funding in operational readiness, and industrial cooperation.”
The upgraded NFH helicopters are designed for extended-range maritime missions, together with surveillance, goal identification, designation, and engagement. According to NHIndustries, the newest configuration permits the helicopters to “detect and counter the threats extra effectively, whereas speaking superior tactical real-time encrypted data with the opposite allies’ cooperative belongings, successfully responding to fashionable interoperability necessities.”
The NH90 NFH, manufactured by NHIndustries and operated by the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force, helps a variety of missions, from anti-submarine warfare to go looking and rescue, and is already in operational service with a number of NATO member states.
The Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force will obtain the brand new plane with full mission capabilities, reinforcing its naval helicopter fleet and sustaining alignment with different NATO maritime air models by means of widespread programs and shared digital requirements.
