The Netherlands is ordering three more European NH90 transport helicopters in the NFH naval modification. And this is after three users of this equipment abandoned it due to low readiness and spare parts problems.
The corresponding procurement contract was signed between manufacturer NHIndustries and the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA). Its emphasized that the deal confirms confidence in the platform and long-term plans for its use.
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Regarding the NH90s themselves, they will be supplied in the most modern Block-1 modification, which is also known as Software Release 3 (SWR3). This includes integration of Data Link 22, new acoustic equipment, new electro-optical station, as well as updated armament arsenal.
Thanks to such improvements, the Dutch aviation fleet will receive expanded battlefield capabilities. This especially concerns detecting, identifying, tracking, and destroying targets, as well as sharing information with allies.
Defense Express notes that the contract indeed serves as an important demonstration of confidence in NH90. The Netherlands has been in the NH90 helicopter program from the very beginning in 1999, and first deliveries began in 2010 along with first operational use among all operators in 2013 on anti-piracy operations in Somalia.
Note that one aircraft was lost in a crash in 2020, so thanks to the new order, numbers will be restored and increased by two, to 22 units. Additional helicopters will go to equip new ASW anti-submarine frigates.
NH90s earned a bad reputation due to spare parts problems and low combat readiness. As a result, Australia, Sweden, Belgium, and Norway abandoned them. Moreover, the latter even sued the manufacturer for compensation. However, Spain, for example, wants to order 32 units for itself, so not all is lost.
It can be recalled that Ukraine could have joined operators of these helicopters, thanks to possibly receiving their Australian MRH-90 Taipan version. However, this failed to be achieved, and the aircraft were scrapped in the ground.
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