NHIndustries NH90

NH90 prototype in 2004

In 1985, France, West Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom teamed to develop a NATO battlefield transport and anti-ship/anti-submarine helicopter for the 1990s. The United Kingdom left the team in 1987.[5] On 1 September 1992, NH Industries signed an NH90 design-and-development contract with NAHEMA (NATO Helicopter Management Agency).[6] This agency represented the four participating states: France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. Portugal later joined the agency in June 2001. Design work on the helicopter started in 1993.[7] The first prototype, PT1, made the type's first flight on 18 December 1995.[5][7] The second prototype, PT2, first flew on 19 March 1997 and the third prototype, PT3, on 27 November 1998.[7] On 12 December 2002, PT3 became the first helicopter to fly exclusively with fly-by-wire controls following the removal of mechanical back-up controls.[8]

The NH90 was developed into two main variants: the Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) and the NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH).[5] These two main variants share about 75% commonality with each other.[9] Many of the operators have requested specific configurations to their own helicopter fleets, thus each country's NH90 is effectively customized to the end-user's requirements. During the development phase of the programme in the 1990s, both technical and funding problems were experienced.[10] In June 2000, the partner states placed a large production order, worth US$8.6 billion, for a total of 366 helicopters.[5][11] Additional orders have since followed from customers in Europe, Asia, and Australia. By April 2013, a total of 529 NH90s of all variants were on order by various customers.[12] As of early 2023, there were 597 on order, and the 500th airframe was delivered at that time.[13]

The glass cockpit of an NH90

The NH90 was initially intended to be produced at three exporting final assembly lines (FAL): Cascina Costa in Italy for AgustaWestland, Marignane in France and Donauwörth in Germany for Airbus Helicopters. The Nordic and Australian contracts stipulated production locally (the Nordic ones at Patria in Finland and the Australian ones in Brisbane). Spain has a final assembly line at Albacete.[14][15] The Marignane assembly line can reportedly complete up to 22 NH90s per year.[9]

Major components are produced by each of the shareholding companies:

• Airbus Helicopters France 31.25% (Engines, rotors, electrical system, flight control, and the core avionics systems)
• Airbus Helicopters Deutschland 31.25% (Forward and center fuselage, fuel system, communications, and avionics control systems)
• Fokker 5.5% (Tail structure, doors, sponsons, landing gear, and the intermediate gearbox)
• AgustaWestland 32% (Rear fuselage, main gearbox, hydraulic system, automatic flight control and plant management systems, power plant, and the NFH mission system)

Items built by the shareholding companies are then distributed to the six locations for assembly and flight test (Marignane, France; Tessera, Italy; Donauwörth, Germany; Halli, Finland; and Brisbane, Australia).[16]

In late 2006, the German Army, the first customer to receive production aircraft, accepted delivery of its first NH90 TTH.[17] In April 2010, the Royal Netherlands Navy was the first customer to receive the navalised NH90 NFH variant.[18] In June 2014, the consortium announced that it had completed delivery of the 200th NH90; at that point, the backlog of orders was reported as reaching out to 2020.[19] In order to alleviate delays and reduce the complexity of manufacturing a large number of NH90 variants, NH Industries proposed the adoption of a simplified baseline airframe which could be configured to the individual customer's requirements.[19] Between 2004 and 2016, the production lead times for the NH90 had reduced from 18 months to 7.5 months.[20]

In 2014, worldwide production of the NH90 peaked at 53 helicopters per year.[20] In October 2015, the delivery of the 250th NH90 was formally accepted by the Italian Army.[21] In 2015, the rate of NH90 production declined, reportedly due to countries choosing to delay their orders and some contracts having been fulfilled; in 2016, the Finnish final assembly line became the first to close with its orders completed.[20] In 2023, the 500th NH90 was delivered to the French Army, from the Marignane facility.[13]

Although no US order have been taken, its been noted it might be produced at Airbus facility in Mississpi, USA which produces AS350. Likewise, some effort was put being ready for a civilian certificate no program has been attempted to get these certificates. However, a VIP or Passenger version would likely use increased cabin space which has been produced for Sweden.[22]

The lowered rear cargo ramp of a German Army NH90

In 2010, German tabloid Bild reported that German Army experts had concerns that the helicopter was not yet ready for the transportation of combat troops. They stated that the seats were rated for only 110 kg (240 lb), not considered enough for a fully equipped soldier. Heavy infantry weapons could not be adequately secured and the cabin floor was prone to damage, citing an anecdote of damage caused by footwear. The helicopter could only land on firm ground, with obstacles not exceeding 16 cm (6.3 in). Troops carrying full equipment could not use the rear ramp due to weight-limitations placed on it. Adding a door machine gun was not possible due to space taken by troop ingress and egress; there was also no provision for fast roping or paratrooper equipment.[23] In response, the German Defense Ministry proclaimed that this article referred to a prototype, not to the production model; the specifications for which were not even finalised at the time. The prototype evaluation and its results were described as a normal procedure in an ongoing design process.[24]

In November 2011, the MRH90 program was placed on the Australian Department of Defence's "Projects of Concern" list.[25] The most serious problem identified by a diagnostic review, which caused a brief grounding in 2010,[26] is compressor blade rubbing caused by the bending of a spool in the Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engine due to uneven cooling after shutdown. Other problems identified include failure of transmission oil cooler fans, windscreen cracking, an inertial navigation system that is slow to align, and the weakness of the cabin floor to withstand the impact of soldiers' boots – a problem also encountered in German service.[27]

In March 2014, it was announced that a Dutch NH90 had suffered higher than expected fuselage wear and corrosion following an extended deployment at sea; analysis by the Dutch National Aerospace Laboratory attributed the corrosion to design and assembly flaws. However, the aircraft were not grounded. In response, NHIndustries launched a corrosion prevention programme and enacted several design modifications.[28] In December 2014, Dutch NH90 deliveries, which had been temporarily halted earlier in the year, restarted after the majority of identified points were addressed and an agreement was made by the manufacturer to bear the cost of developing modifications, repairs, and preventive measures against corrosion.[29]

French Navy NH90, 2016

Ron Mark, New Zealand First Deputy Leader and Spokesperson for Defence put out a press release in 2017 criticising the cost of the NH90, citing the statistics of 2015, "The NH90s cost $1,182 an hour to fly and that is 2.5 times more expensive than the Iroquois they replaced. They're also unreliable, chewing through $3.3 million worth of spares in just two years."[30]

The operating cost of a NH90 HCV (High Cabin Version) was largely reported in Swedish media during 2018 as being at least 200,000 SEK (later specified to 242,000 SEK when the McKinnley report, ordered by the Swedish defence, was published) per hour flown, or about US$28,000. In contrast, the Hkp 16, MH-60 Blackhawks in Swedish service had a cost of 40,000 SEK per hour, something that sparked a heated debate not least since it was revealed that the defence minister had demanded that the purchase had to be a joint procurement with the other Nordic countries which in turn excluded all other contenders.[31][32][33] A while later, a new debate among the defence bloggers begun, when it was revealed that a lot of the high costs actually was the result of the accounting practices forced upon the Swedish defence forces. The purchase cost and annual services had been factored in meaning that the cost per hour increases the less flight time per year the helicopter gets.[34] In this debate, it was also pointed out that the Finnish defence had budgeted CPFH to €15,900 in 2017, which the year after had been lowered to €10,000.[35]

In 2020, the Belgian ministry of defence announced a cut of 40% to the annual flight time for the NH90. The reason cited that while the old Westland Sea Kings retired in 2019 had a cost per flight hour of around €5,000. The NH-90 is more than double that at €12,000. per hour. In addition, the reliability is so low that "the services do not have enough personnel to keep them flight-worthy".[36]

The Australian Parliament released their report "MRH-90 Taipan helicopter: a quick guide" at the end of 2021, detailing the problems that has plagued the helicopter since 2005 and why they now will be replaced. There the CPFH is listed as "the helicopter's estimated operating costs were $30,000 to $40,000 per hour, which is 'higher than those combat aircraft with sophisticated weapons and sensor systems' (p. 72). More recently the cost has increased to $50,000 per hour."[37]

Axel Aloccio, head of NHI since mid-September 2022, believes that most problems stem from the teething issues of a new system that always take a few years of service to find and correct, and that most are either solved or will be addressed with the transformation plan called "New Horizon" that Aloccio's predecessor Nathalie Tarnaud Laude launched. This program for system-wide changes has the aim of 50-60% average global fleet availability by the end of 2022 through better spare part availability and localisation of overhaul services. It also seeks to lower the operating costs, the time between maintenance inspections and overhaul for dynamic components have both been raised by 50% in order to keep them synchronized, from 600/1200 flight hours to 900/1800 hours respectively.[38]

An Australian Army MRH-90

In 2004, Australia announced a plan to order 12 aircraft to supplement its Army's aging S-70 Black Hawk helicopters.[55] In June 2006, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) announced plans to replace its UH-60 Black Hawk and Westland Sea King helicopters;[56] a further 34 NH90s were ordered, for an order total of 46; four being manufactured in Europe, and 42 being manufactured locally by Australian Aerospace (an Airbus Helicopters subsidiary) in Brisbane.[57] The helicopter's ADF designation and name "MRH-90 Taipan" refers to its use as a "Multi Role Helicopter" and pays homage to a native species of snake.[58][59][60] The first Australian NH90 entered service in December 2007 with the Army.[61] Later on, six examples would operated by 808 Squadron of the Royal Australian Navy, which was reformed in 2011 and recommissioned in 2013.[60][62][63] The Navy's were operated until 2022, and the Army fleet until 2023, however it was in 2021 the early retirement was announced shifting from 2037 to 2024.[64] There was overall 46 in service, but 47 procured because one was kept as a spare.[65] The Australian NH90s use the Rolls-Royce Turbemeca RTM322.[66]

On 20 April 2010, an ADF MRH90 suffered a single engine failure near Adelaide, landing safely at RAAF Base Edinburgh. NHIndustries sent personnel to Australia to investigate the failure.[67] On 18 May the ADF announced that the MRH90 fleet was grounded due to engine issues since the April incident.[68] The cause of the failure was determined as the compressor blade contacting the engine casing, leading to new preventative inspections; flights resumed in July 2010.[69] In June 2011, the NFH variant lost to the Sikorsky MH-60R in competition to replace the Royal Australian Navy S-70B Sea Hawks.[70]

A Royal Australian Navy MRH-90 in 2015

Aussie's helocast from a MRH-90 on a training exercise in 2018

Australian MRH-90 cockpit

Commandos practice fast rope outof MRH-90 during Talisman Sabre in July 2023

In July 2014, the Australian National Audit Office released a report on the MRH90, citing a series of procurement errors and development deficiencies delaying final operational capability (FOC), originally planned for that month, until April 2019, nearly five years later than planned. Some nine years after the initial contract was signed, the models first delivered in 2007 had not validated any of the 11 set operational capability milestones, and forced redesigns including bolstered cabin floors and windscreens, rappelling hooks, and door gunner positions; obtaining spare parts and sustaining the helicopters has also been more costly. The Australian Army will be forced to operate its aging S-70A Black Hawk beyond their planned retirement date.[71] Due to the delays, Australia will receive an additional helicopter, for a total of 47.[72] By September 2015, most of the MRH90's flaws had reportedly been addressed.[73] In June 2017, the Australian Navy successfully completed trials aboard HMAS Anzac, marking a major milestone in the helicopter programme.[74]

In 2015, the Australian Army decided to delay retiring 20 Black Hawks by 4 years until the end of 2021 in order to develop a special operations capable MRH90.[75][76] This required developing a Fast Roping and Rappelling Extraction System (FRRES) and a gun mount for the cabin door.[75][76] The Taipan Gun Mount can fit either a M134D minigun or MAG 58 machine gun and when not in use can be moved into an outward stowed position to provide clearance to enable fast roping and rappelling.[77][78] In February 2019, the first two of 12 MRH90 helicopters were delivered to the 6th Aviation Regiment.[79][76] On 24 June 2021, all Australian NH-90s were temporarily grounded due to lack of maintenance and spare parts which have to be shipped from Europe to Australia.[80] In December 2021, on the same day the older generation of Black Hawk fleet was retired, the Australian Government announced that it would replace the Army's fleet of MRH90s with new UH-60M Black Hawks.[81][82] In addition, at this time the retirement date for the fleet was shifted to 2024.[64]

The Navy ceased flying their MRH90s in April 2022 and their fleet was placed into storage.[83][84] In May 2022, the government announced that it would replace the Navy's six MRH90s with additional H-60R Seahawks.[85][86] The Navy already was operating 24 Seahawks delivered between 2013 and 2016, and these served along with the NH-90 fleet.[87]

In March 2023, an Army MRH90 carrying 10 crew members appeared to malfunction mid-flight while hovering over a Jervis Bay beach at night during a training exercise, forcing the pilots to make a controlled ditch into the water. Following the incident, the fleet of 47 MRH90s were grounded pending an investigation.[88] The ten crew survived and the helicopters were to be towed onto a nearby beach after ditching in the water.[88] Early indications of the event in April implicated a missing software patch in the helicopter's flight software, however an official explanation was still pending.[89][90][91] The NH90 fleet was returned to service on 6 April 2023 after the incident, which was called a "operational pause".[91] Previously the fleet had been grounded three times in the 2010s for different reasons.[91]

In July 2023 another MRH90 crashed at night during Exercise Talisman Sabre off the coast of Hamilton Island, Queensland, resulting in four missing crew members.[92][93][94] By early August the cockpit and human remains were found in a debris field in 40 meters of water, constient with a catastrophic impact.[91] On 8 August 2023 Australian divers successfully recovered the flight date recorder from the fatal crash.[95] Although an official explanation of the earlier March 2023 incident and July crash was not immediately clear, defense officials seemed optimistic the fleet would return to service and be retired in late 2024.[90]

On 29 September 2023, the Australian Government announced that the MRH-90 will not return to service in Australia, bringing forward the previously planned retirement date of December 2024.[96][97] Officials stated the early retirement was not meant to suggest the outcome of the crash investigation, which was still ongoing; the fleet was grounded since the July 2023 crash.[49]

Australia had ordered and procured a total of 47 MRH-90s with some imported and some built locally. At the time of its grounding on 31 July 2023 there were 38 in service.[98] The Australian Navy had previously stopped using their NH90s in 2022.[98] The Army NH90s entered service in December 2007.[61] The fleet in the 2010s was grounded several times for different issues, in the 2020s an early retirement was planned for 2024; after two further incidents in 2023 the fleet was grounded and by September it was decided to retire the fleet at the time.[91] The fleet is planned to be dismantled for spare parts in partnership with NHI, which stated it was working with Australia to identify the cause of the latest crash at that time.[51] Australia had filled the gaps in service created by the grounding, operational pauses, and early retirement, by extending the service life of the aircraft it was replacing, the older S-70s, from 2011 to 2021, by buying a few extra Chinook helicopters as a stop gap, by leasing six AW139, and doing an emergency procurement of another helicopter as its replacement. The Australian Defense had invested 3.5 billion dollars and over two decades in the programme.[64]

Belgian NH90 with two people on the winch, 2015

Belgian TTH version

In 2007, Belgium signed on for a firm order of 8 aircraft (4 TTH, 4 NFH) and an option for 2 additional TTH.[99] In September 2012, NHI performed the first flight of the Belgium's Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH), which is broadly similar to the French NH90 "Caiman" version.[100] In January 2013, eight NH90s were on firm order.[101] On 1 August 2013, Belgium received its first NH90 NFH at Full Operational Capability (FOC).[102] On 23 October 2013, Belgium's first NH90 TTH entered service, the last was delivered on 13 November 2014. From first delivery until the last, three NH90s flew 34 hours a month for a total of 450 flight hours with a 67 percent availability rate, making Belgium one of the type's most intensive users. Two NH90 NFHs for the navy were delivered, the final two were delivered by early 2015 to replace their Westland Sea King helicopters for Search and Rescue operations.[103]

On 21 August 2015, the Belgian Navy declared its NH90s had attained initial operational readiness;[104] on 28 August 2015, the first rescue mission performed by a Belgian Navy NH90 took place.[105]

In June 2020, The Strategic Defence Review (STAR) of Belgium planned to phase out the 4 TTH helicopters by 2024 due to their high operating costs and low availability. They are planned to be replaced, along with the Agusta 109, by 15 Airbus H145M helicopters. The 4 NFH variants are to remain operational and be provided with currently lacking sensors and weapons for anti-submarine warfare.[106][107] There was some discussion as of 2023, to sell the 4 TTH, and buy 1 more NFH, in addition with acquisition of new helicopters the NFH will no longer do SAR.[108] Belgian is expanding its defense budget and Naval capiblites in the 2030s, and Naval NH90 are planned to be upgraded and to operate from currently in serve frigates (Karl Doorman class). In addition, Belgium is buying a NH90 mission flight trainer in partnership with the Netherlands.[52]

Finnish Defence Forces NH90 in Turku, Finland in May 2012

In October 2001, Finland signed a contract for 20 NH90 TTHs for the Finnish Army to replace its ageing fleet of Mil Mi-8 helicopters.[109] This decision was done a group as part of the Nordic Standard Helicopter program along with Sweden and Norway.[53] In March 2008, NH Industries began NH90 deliveries to Finland;[110] deliveries had been delayed from an initial 2004 date, to minimize further delay, aircraft were first delivered to an Initial Operational Configuration (IOC-) and Nearly Operational Configuration (IOC+), to be later modified by Patria into a Final Operational Configuration (FOC).[111][112] In September 2011, the Finnish Defence Forces and Patria signed an agreement to provide ballistic protection for onboard personnel across the NH90 fleet.[113]

In June 2011, nine Finnish NH90s participated in the Finnish Defense Forces' main field exercise, transporting 157 soldiers across 320 kilometers in two rotations; their performance was described as having exceeded expectations.[114] In January 2015, it was reported that Finnish NH90s had been experiencing considerable reliability issues, at one time in 2014 fleet availability dipped to 19%, and some spare parts had up to seven months waiting time.[115] By early 2015, the combined NH90s fleet had accumulated a total of 7,000 flight hours, and had an availability rate of 40%.[116] On 18 June 2015, delivery of the final Finnish NH90 took place.[117] In November 2015, the availability rate was reported as having surpassed 50 percent.[118] All helicopters were in Final Operational Configuration (FOC) in 2018, 17 years after order.

French Army NH90, 2014

The French government had initially ordered a total of 34 NH90 TTHs for the French Army Light Aviation and 27 NFH for the Navy.[119] Both versions will be named "Caïman" and final assembly will be carried out by Airbus Helicopters.[101][120] The French Army had intended to buy 68 NH90; however, the April 2013 defence review could have cancelled the contract for the second batch of 34.[12] Under the "Bonn rebate" deal, France receives a 12% discount on its 68 Army helicopters; a November 2012 Senate report put the French TTH per unit price at €28.6M after discount, set on the assumption of total orders of 605 aircraft by 2020. Cuts to France's order would result in workshare reallocation; possibly including French Navy NFH90s being assembled in Italy and Fokker performing maintenance of French TTHs.[12] On 29 May 2013, France formally ordered the second batch of 34 NH90 TTHs for just under €1 billion.[121] In January 2016, France placed an order for six additional NH90 TTHs.[122]

NH90 helicopter of the French Naval Aviation landing on the FREMM multipurpose frigate Auvergne.

The French Army took delivery of its first NH90 TTH in December 2011.[123] Just one week after entering service, a French NH90 Caiman rescued 19 people from supply ship TK Bremen at night.[124] On 21 December 2012, the French Navy received its first NH90 NFH in final operating capability.[125] In December 2010, the NH90 formally achieved in-service status with the French Navy, being initially used to perform search and rescue and maritime counter-terrorism operations. The first seven aircraft were delivered to an interim "Step A" configuration; following aircraft were delivered to the "Step B" standard and are forecast to be delivered at a rate of two per year until 2020.[9] For the ASW role in French service the helicopter is equipped with dipping sonar, acoustic buoys and MU90 torpedoes.[126] The French Navy formally cleared the type to perform anti-surface warfare duties in 2012, clearance to perform anti-submarine warfare missions followed in 2013, allowing the NH90 to take over the missions previously performed by the Navy's Westland Lynx and Aérospatiale Super Frelon helicopter fleets.[9] On 3 November 2014, the French Army Light Aviation deployed two of its NH90s to Mali; both helicopters had been fitted with three additional fuel tanks to fly the four-day ferry flight to the region.[127]

In October 2020, France signed a contract to develop the TFRA Standard 2 configuration for French Army special forces using the final batch of 10 NH90 TTH already ordered.[128] A design study for the new configuration began 18 months earlier in cooperation with Belgium and Australia.[129][130] The first phase of the design will feature a Safran EuroFLIR 410 electro-optical system (EOS), external 500 kg (1,100 lb) fuel tanks and a digital 3D map.[128] The cabin will feature a central rappelling and extraction device, gun mounts for M3M .50 caliber machine guns and fold-able step.[128] The rear ramp will feature a quick removable leaf doors system, fast-rope beam, fold-able step and various improvements made to enable the door to be used inflight.[128][129] The developmental Safran Eurofl'Eye distributed aperture system (DAS) and digital Thales TopOwl helmet-mounted display may be integrated in a second phase with electrical and mechanical provisions made for their installation.[128][129] The first five are to be delivered in 2025 and the last five in 2026 to the 4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment.[129]

In 2021, French NH90s rescued six people (and one stranded rescuer) from a capsized yacht in an offshore civilian sea rescue, in extreme sea and wind conditions at the edge of the NH90 flight envelope.[131] The weather was so extreme the first rescuer was stranded when when the winch line snapped, but the rescuer along with the boaters, which were in a life raft were able to be retrieved by additional NH90.[131] At the end of 2022, the French Navy finally retired its last Alouette III helicopters which had been in service for 60 years, and was on the training helicopters before pilots moved onto the NH90, along with Dauphin.[132][133]

German Army NH90 at the ILA Berlin Air Show 2016

The German Army chose to procure the troop transport variant. The first three serial production NH90s were delivered to the German Army in December 2006.[134] By January 2013, a total of 80 aircraft were on order for the army.[101] In 2009, the German Navy was also considering the procurement of up to 30 NFH for its new Maritime Helicopter.[135] In March 2013, the German government chose to reorganise the NH90 procurement; the Army's fleet of 122 NH90s was reduced to 82; 18 NH90s previously ordered for the German Army were converted to the NFH maritime variant for the navy instead.[136] On 26 June 2013, the German defense committee declared that the order for a combined 202 NH90 and Tiger helicopters was to be reduced to 157.[137] In December 2014, Germany announced that, in addition to the 80 troop transports firmly on order, it was considering an option for an additional 22 NH90s; it was investigating the possibility of setting up a multinational helicopter unit to operate these 22 helicopters as a shared NATO resource with other countries using and contributing to the force.[138][139]

In July 2012, the German NH90 fleet reached a combined total of 5,000 flight hours.[140] In April 2013, up to 4 German Army NH90 TTH were deployed in Afghanistan in a Forward Air Medical Evacuation role in support of coalition forces operating in the country.[141] On 23 June 2013, German Army NH90s were declared operationally capable of medical evacuation operations.[142] Following an engine failure and controlled crash in Uzbekistan in July 2014, the German Army temporarily grounded the type for investigation.[143] In December 2015, it was announced that production of the German Navy's variant of the NH90 NFH, named Sea Lion, had formally commenced; a refit of the German Army's TTH variant was also underway at the same time.[144] Since late 2014, Germany has promoted the establishment of a multinational NH90 force for combat MEDEVAC missions; the taskforce would comprise up to 20 NH90s.[145]

The Navy's version, known as the NH90 Sea Lion, is based on the NH90 NFH. The Sea Lion first flew on 8 December 2016.[146][147] Its 18 NH90 Sea Lions are equipped with improved navigation and communications equipment permitting operation within civil airspace, along with additional sensors for military missions. The IFF system was also updated. Designed to replace Germany's Westland Sea Kings in the SAR and Vertrep roles, the Sea Lion was to enter service with the German Navy by the second quarter of 2019.[148] On 26 November 2019, the German Navy stated that the NH90 is not going operational at this time due to deficiencies in technical documentation not allowing safe operations.[149]

On 20 November 2020 the Bundestag approved the purchase of 31 more helicopters. These will be used by the navy to replace their 22 Sea Lynx Mk88A helicopters. The deal is valued at €2.7 billion including spares, accessories and training material.[150]

In August 2003, Greece ordered 20 NH90s with an option for 14 more.[151] In early 2013, the German newspaper Bild alleged that Airbus officials paid €41 million in bribes to Greek officials to secure the order; Airbus stated that the claim was "groundless".[152] On December 12 it was stated that deliveries would start again after an embargo by the Hellenic Government, with 4 helicopters being of the SPECOPS specification.

By early 2017, 12 NH90s had been delivered and are in service, with eight aircraft to be delivered from the manufacturer.[153][154]

An Italian Army NH90 landing at Farah Air Base, Afghanistan, 2019

Italian NH90 in 2023

In June 2000, Italy signed an initial contract for a batch of 60 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) for the Italian Army, along with a further 46 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) and 10 TTH for the Italian Navy.[155] On 30 December 2007, the first NH90 TTH was formally handed over to the Italian Army.[156] On 23 June 2011, the navy received its first NH90, which was delivered to an interim MOC (Meaningful Operational Capability) standard, capable of performing training, search and rescue, and utility operations; anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities were not initially available until aircraft are retrofitted to a FOC (Final Operational Capability) standard.[157] In May 2013, the Italian Army took delivery of the first NH90 TTH of a FOC standard;[158] in November 2013, the Italian Navy took delivery of its first FOC-standard NH90 NFH.[159] The Italian NH90 fleet uses the GE T700-T6E1 turbine engine.[160] Italian NH90s are used for the following tasks tactical troop transport according NHI as reported by HeliHub news: logistics support, special operations, cargo resupply and hoisting, medical evacuations, light vehicle transport, disaster relief, and emergency response operations.[161]

In 2012, Italy deployed a total of 5 Army NH90 TTHs to support troops participating in the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan.[162] The NH90s, which were air-transported individually by allied Boeing C-17 Globemaster III cargo aircraft, replaced six Agusta/Bell 205s in performing tactical transport and medevac operations; Army Aviation Commander Gen. Enzo Stefanini stated that "…in Afghan conditions, the NH90 is delivering performance 15 percent above what was envisaged".[163] In December 2022, Italy received its 60th and final TTH (Transport version) from the Venice Tessera facility which opened in 2010 and delivered its first aircraft in 2011.[161]

In July 2023, a NH90 rolled over on its side during preflight checks at Taranto Grottaglie in Italy.[164] In October 2023, the Italian Navy received its 56th and final NH90 of the that order, also marking 35 000 hours with that fleet which it had its first delivery of in 2011.[165]

An NH-90 NFH from Royal Netherlands Navy

The Netherlands, one of the original supporters of the programme, ordered a total of 20 units, comprising 12 NFH and 8 TNFH for the Royal Netherlands Navy,[166][101][167][168] In 2010, the Royal Netherlands Navy became the first customer to receive the NFH variant.[169]

In 2009, concerns surfaced that design changes had made the helicopter too heavy to operate from Dutch frigates for which they were ordered.[170] In June 2014, the Dutch government decided not to accept the last batch of 7 NH90s due to some 100 shortcomings found in relation to the design, manufacturing and material choice of the aircraft, in particular corrosion in the presence of salt water.[171][172] In December 2014, NH90 deliveries restarted after the Dutch government came to an agreement with the manufacturer, under which modifications and necessary repairs against corrosion would be made at the manufacturer's cost; 75 of the 100 shortcomings were also reported as having been solved.[29][173]

In April 2013, the navy deployed the type onboard HNLMS De Ruyter to fight piracy in the Gulf of Aden.[174] In November 2014, the Royal Netherlands Navy deployed a single NH90NFH to Somalia to support Operation Atalanta in Somalia.[175]

The capsized but floating NH90 that crashed near Aruba in 2020

On 19 July 2020, a Royal Netherlands Navy NH90 helicopter crashed into water off the coast of Aruba near its home ship, killing two crew members and injuring two passengers. The Dutch Ministry of Defence launched an investigation, temporarily grounding all of the country's NH90s.[176] The cause of the crash was identified as a situation created when the helicopter made a turn which changed the relative speed of the air around it reducing the amount lift relative to the throttle, and it was also noted that the rescue efforts were hampered by high surf.[177] The situation for the crash was, "The investigation by the Dutch Safety Board reveals that the helicopter experienced difficulties when, after completing a turn, the aircraft found itself flying at the same speed as the wind, effectively suspended stationary in the air. In such a situation, a large amount of additional throttle is required to keep the helicopter airborne. Although the pilot applied extra throttle, the low flying altitude meant there was insufficient time to correct the already initiated descent."[177] When it hit the water, the emergency flotation system deployed which kept the helicopter from sinking, aiding the in the rescue attempts; as it was the two in the cockpit did not escape, and two passengers got and were recovered. The wreck eventually sank but divers were able to locate and get the black box (flight data recorder).[178] This incident has been studied for the cause of crash, but also various aspects such as they the crew escape and safety aspects, flight training, and rescue response.[179]

In July 2006, the New Zealand government signed a NZ$771 million (~€500M) contract to purchase eight NH90s (plus one extra for spares) to replace the Royal New Zealand Air Force's (RNZAF) fleet of 13 UH-1 Iroquois helicopters.[101][180] For ease of manufacture and logistics, New Zealand deliberately chose its NH90 configuration to be nearly identical to the larger Australian fleet.[181] On 7 December 2011, deliveries to New Zealand formally began with the first two NH90s being airlifted by a leased Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft to RNZAF Base Ohakea. In February 2013, the first phase of the RNZAF's operational evaluation of the NH90 was completed, clearing the type to begin operational duties.[181]

A RNZAF NH90 in a tight turn

RNZAF NH90 transporting supplies to a remote community

Between September 2013 and July 2014, the first four delivered NH90s were retrofitted to a final operational configuration; later aircraft were already delivered to this standard.[182] On 31 October 2014, the RNZAF announced that they had received into service the last of the eight NH90 TTHs.[181] Following command structure changes in December 2014, the NH90 fleet was tasked with additional responsibilities, including casualty evacuation during search and rescue operations and providing transport services to the New Zealand Police and other government personnel.[183] In April 2015, Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee questioned the inability of the NH90 fleet to contribute to relief efforts in the aftermath of Cyclone Pam, revealing that the fleet may be refitted with an automated blade and tail folding system to better enable ship borne deployments in the future.[184]

In April 2016, NH90s flew 160 hours during relief missions in Fiji following the devastation of Cyclone Winston, and in transported variety of staff to different locations. The NH90 served alongside the NZ Seaprites, and with additional logistical support from fixed wing aircraft.[185]

After the Kaikōura earthquakes in November 2016, the NH90s were critical in delivering aid and supplies to the area. They also assisted with civilian evacuations of foreign nationals.[186]

In April 2017, the RNZAF's NH90 fleet was grounded following an in-flight single engine failure which forced an emergency landing.[187]

In November 2021, New Zealand NH90, NZ3302, became the first of its type to reach 2,000 flying hours. According to the RNZAF, despite being delivered years after other customers, high serviceability rates allow New Zealand NH90s to fly more hours per aircraft than other operators.[188] New Zealand states it was getting acceptable flight hours from its fleet and was not going to change its maintenance regime.[189]

In 2001, Norway ordered 14 NH90 helicopters for use by the Royal Norwegian Navy and Norwegian Coast Guard, to be delivered in 2005–2008.[190] This decision was done a group as part of the Nordic Standard Helicopter program along with Sweden and Finland.[53] In December 2011, the first helicopter was delivered.[191] In July 2012, the Norwegian Deputy Defence Minister Roger Ingebrigtsen announced that "once our current Westland Lynx helicopters reach their end of life in 2014, we are going to have replacement helicopters on our naval vessels. If the NH90 hasn't been delivered, we will purchase another helicopter ... considering that the aircraft were to be delivered by 2005, and that delivery is yet to start by 2012, our confidence in the producer isn't exactly on the rise"[192] In August 2012 it was reported that the Royal Norwegian Air Force would be recommending that the Ministry of Defence contact Sikorsky to verify whether versions of the H-60 Seahawk, specifically the MH-60R, would be a viable alternative to the NH-90 in the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) role. Defence Minister Espen Barth Eide stated "We still believe the marine version of the NH90 to be the optimal platform, and we hope to purchase it, but there are limits to our patience."[193] In January 2016, six of the 14 aircraft had been delivered.[194]

A February 2018 report by the Norwegian Armed Forces found that its fleet of NH90 helicopters offer insufficient flight hours for the intended roles. The report advised that all helicopters are converted to the anti-submarine warfare role as required by the Royal Norwegian Navy, as opposed to current plans which see 6 of the 14 helicopters in that role, and the rest configured for Norwegian Coast Guard duties. The Norwegian Ministry of Defence stated that it would consider the report's recommendations before making a decision on the matter.[195][196]

In September 2018, the Norwegian Armed Forces reversed course and released an updated study that affirms that under "certain conditions" the requirements for both the navy and coast guard can be met with the current order of 14 helicopters. The conditions specifically state good spare parts availability, sufficient aircraft for maintenance scheduling and a sufficient overhaul capacity. Norwegian Minister of Defence Frank Bakke-Jensen added that although the inauguration is challenging, the ministry holds on to the timeline in which phasing in will be completed by 2022.[197][198] In February 2022 the Norwegian Minister of Defense again threatened to terminate the NH90 contract due to great concerns regarding new delays and NHI not meeting contractual obligations, considering sourcing alternative helicopters.[199]

In June 2022, the Norwegian Minister of Defense Bjørn Arild Gram announced the Norwegian Defence Material Agency was given the task to terminate the NH90 contract due to NHI not meeting contractual obligations, and announced that the NH90 is taken out of operation with immediate effect.[200]

The Norwegian Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram announced that the Lockheed Martin MH-60R Seahawk would replace the NH90 helicopter in 2023, which if goes as planned to lead a procurment of six in the late 2020s.[201]

Oman NH90 on flight tests

In July 2004, the Sultanate of Oman issued an order for a total of 20 NH90 TTHs for the Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO). To cope with the extreme flight conditions of the Middle East, RAFO NH90s are equipped with enhanced power plants; the type is to replace the Agusta/Bell 205A and Agusta/Bell 212 used for tactical transport and search and rescue operations.[202] On 23 June 2010, the first two NH90 TTHs were delivered to the RAFO at Musana Air Base.[203] By July 2012, ten NH90s had been delivered to the RAFO; in Omani service, the NH90 has established an endurance record, flying 700 nautical miles (1,300 km; 810 mi) without refueling during a 5-hour 21 minute-long mission.[204]

In 2014, Qatar announced that it would invest in NH90 helicopters for $2.76 billion.[205] A contract is expected to be signed in March 2018, during the Dimdex defence exhibition.[206] The signing happened on 14 March 2018, which finalised the purchase of 28 NH90 Helicopters in a deal that is worth 3 billion euros. The agreement includes 16 NH90s for tactical transport and 12 NH90s for naval purposes. The deal is supposed to help Qatar with modernizing her military helicopter fleet.[207][208][209][210] On 20 August 2018, Leonardo announced the contract with Qatar was made effective for a total sum of US$3.7 billion, covering the agreed upon number of helicopters, with an option with six more of each type.[211][212][213][214]

On December 23, 2020, the first flights for Qatari-bound NH90s were being conducted for general evaluation.[215]

Spanish Air Force NH90 STD2 helicopter before flight test, 2020

Spanish NH90 in 2023

On 20 May 2005 the Council of Ministers authorised the acquisition of 45 NH90 TTHs; in December 2006, it was announced that a procurement contract for the Spanish Armed Forces had been signed. The Spanish NH90 variant features domestically assembled General Electric CT7 8F5 engines, customised communications suite, and Indra-developed electronic warning systems.[216] The original budget for the procurement was for €1,260 million; by 2010, this had grown to €2,463M.[217] In June 2012, it was announced that Spain was negotiating to cut its purchase to 37 aircraft.[218] On 18 December 2014, Spain took delivery of the first NH90 TTH, which had been assembled at Airbus Helicopters Albacete facility; by this point, the order had been reduced to a total of 22 NH90s of the TTH variant.[219] Spain chose the GE CT7-85F turbine engine for its fleet.[220]

In January 2018, NHIndustries president Vincent Dubrule stated he was confident Spain would place a follow-on order by the end of 2018 for an additional 23 TTH NH90, bringing the total back up to 45.[206] In September 2018, the Spanish government agreed to the purchase of the additional 23 TTH NH90 helicopters, including seven for naval purposes.[221][222]

A pair of Swedish HKP14 in flight, 2012

In 2001, Sweden signed a contract for 18 NH90 TTH, made up of 13 TTT[lower-roman 1]/SAR and 5 SAR/ASW to be operated by the Swedish Air Force.[223][224] This decision to order the NH90 was done a group as part of the Nordic Standard Helicopter program along with Norway and Finland; the Swede version has the High Cabin Variant (HCV).[53] Because of renewed foreign submarine activity at the Swedish coast in 2014 it was decided in 2015 that four TTT/SAR would be modified to SAR/ASW in order to increase the anti-submarine warfare capability, so there will be 9 TTT/SAR and 9 SAR/ASW.[225] The NH90 is known as the Helikopter 14 (HKP14) in Swedish service, the FOC version of TTT/SAR are designated HKP14E and the FOC version of SAR/ASW are designated HKP14F.[226]

By November 2015, Sweden had ordered 18 NH90s with ten helicopters delivered.[101] Sweden did not expect its NH90s to be operational until 2020 and ordered 15 UH-60M Black Hawks in 2011,[227] deploying four of its new Black Hawks to Afghanistan in March 2013.[228] In December 2015, the first Swedish NH90 in a full ASW configuration was delivered.[229][230] Sweden announced on 1 November 2022 that its NH90s will be replaced with S-70 (H-60) variants and an undetermined aircraft.[231]

Portugal

Portugal was the fifth state to join the programme with an order for ten transport NH90 in June 2001; it was intended for these to equip the Portuguese Army Light Aviation Unit. However, in July 2012, fiscal consequences of the Great Recession led Portugal to cancel the order, despite having already spent €87m on the project, in order to save another €420m in acquisition and running costs to 2020.[232][233] Portugal had planned to order the TTH version for air mobility capability.[234]

Saudi Arabia

In July 2006, the Saudi Government agreed to purchase 64 NH90s.[235] Then in October 2007 the government changed its plans, and agreed to buy 150 Russian-made Mi-35 and Mi-17 helicopters instead.[236]

Egypt

In July 2015, the Egyptian Navy entered negotiations for the purchase of 5 NH90 NFH helicopters; these were intended to serve on board its newly acquired FREMM frigate Tahya Misr and 4 Gowind corvettes that were also on order. The NH90 helicopters would all be of French standard.[237][238] In October 2015, it was reported that negotiations for a "large quantity" of NH90s had reached an advanced stage.[239] In April 2019 it was announced that Egypt was ordering the AW149 and not the NH90.[240]

An NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH)

The primary role of the NFH version is autonomous ASW and anti-surface unit warfare (ASuW), mainly from naval ships. These aircraft are equipped for day and night, adverse weather and severe ship motion operations. Additional roles include anti-air warfare support, vertical replenishment (VERTREP), SAR and troop transport. France are splitting their purchase between the "NFH version combat" costing €43.3m in FY2013 and the "NFH version soutien" (support) at €36.4m in FY2013.[241]

One of the major differences of the NFH, is that it has a folding tail and rotors, and a stronger undercarriage suitable for marine landings.[242]

SH-90A

Italian Navy designation from 2012 for NH90 NFH.[243]

NH90 NFH Caïman

French Navy designation for NH90 NFH.[101][120]

NH90 Sea Lion

German Navy development of the French NH90 NFH. The Sea Lion features a reduced set of sensors as the main task is SAR and ship based Transport (VERTREP and Special Forces) and is usually unarmed (doorguns can be installed). First flight was on 8 December 2016 and service deliveries started in October 2019.[146][147]

NH90 Sea Tiger

Another German Navy development of the NFH90. The Sea Tiger will be the future helicopter for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface unit warfare. The first helicopters were ordered in 2019 with a potential total of up to 31.[244]

A New Zealand NH-90 loaded with Papua New Guinean troops.

Swedish Hkp 14 at the 2007 Paris Air Show. The Hkp 14 is the high cabin version

The primary role of the TTH version is the transport of 20 troops or more than 2,500 kg of cargo, heliborne operations and search & rescue. It can quickly be adapted to MEDEVAC/CASEVAC missions by fitting up to 12 stretchers or cargo delivery capability. Additional roles include special operations, electronic warfare, airborne command post, parachuting, VIP transport and flight training.

Helikopter 14 (Hkp 14)[245]

Swedish Armed Forces' designation of its eighteen NH90 TTH:[226] of the High Cabin Version (HCV), in which the cabin height is increased by 24 cm (9.4 in) to 1.82 m (6.0 ft) to allow it to be used for ambulance transports as the original height of 1.57 m (5.2 ft) did not comply with peacetime work safety regulations.[246] The fleet consists of nine ground operative helicopters, Hkp 14E, and nine helicopters for maritime use equipped with sonar and search radar for submarine hunting with the designation Hkp 14F.[245] The Swedish aircraft have a Tactical Mission System developed by SAAB[246][247] Finnish and Swedish TTHs are called Tactical Troop Transports (TTT) in some contexts.

HT-29 Caimán

Spanish Army designation for NH90 GSPA TTH.[248]

MRH-90 Taipan

Australian Defence Force designation for NH90 TTH.[60]

NH90 TTH Caïman

French Army designation for NH90 TTH.[101][120]

UH-90A

Italian Army designation for the NH90 TTH.[243]

MH-90A

Italian Navy variant of the NH90 TTH.[249]

The MTT is a blend between the TTH and NFH, combining the land-based configuration of the TTH with specialized maritime features of the NFH, including folding rotorblades, a tail-boom, and a strengthened undercarriage. The variant was first announced in February 2019 and has reportedly piqued interest from the Spanish and Italian armed forces who may order this variant as part of existing orders.[250]

 Australia

• Australian Army; withdrawn from service in 2023.[97] 47 TTH were in service.
• Royal Australian Navy; withdrawn from service in 2022.[83]

 Norway

• Royal Norwegian Air Force; The Ministry of Defense announced its NH90s are phased out from service as of June 2022.[253] NFH version