NHI And NAHEMA Secure NH90 Block 1 Upgrade Contract
On 13 June, NH Industries (NHI) and the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) signed a contract worth €600 million ($644 million), initiating a comprehensive NH90 Block 1 upgrade program. This agreement will see significant modernization of the NH90 helicopters utilized by several NATO member countries including Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy.
Axel Aloccio, President of NHI and Head of the NH90 Programme at Airbus Helicopters, stated, “the signature of the SWR3 contract… is an important milestone for the NH90 programme and is a clear sign that our NATO customers trust the NH90 and plan on operating it for many more decades to come.”
The NH90 Block 1 upgrade program aims to enhance the operational capabilities, reliability, and lifecycle of the NH90 helicopters currently in service. The aim is to meet the evolving requirements of modern warfare and peacekeeping missions. The comprehensive upgrade will include:
- Avionics Modernization: Upgrading the onboard avionics systems is a critical component of the Block 1 program. This involves integrating state-of-the-art navigation, communication, and mission systems, enhancing situational awareness, interoperability, and mission success rates.
- Enhanced Performance and Safety: The upgrade will improve the helicopter’s performance parameters such as speed, range, and payload capacity. Additionally, enhancements to safety features will ensure better protection for the crew and passengers during various mission profiles.
- Communications: Upgrading the NH90’s communication suite and integrating Data Link 22, which allows beyond line-of-sight interoperability without using satellite communications.
- Maintenance and Support: The modernization program will also streamline maintenance processes and introduce predictive maintenance capabilities. This will reduce downtime and maintenance costs, thereby increasing the overall availability and readiness of the fleet.
The signing of the contract marks a milestone in the lifecycle of the NH90 helicopter fleet and Aloccio noted that: “we have a clear plan to extend the lifespan of the NH90 up to 50 years and we will need to upgrade the aircraft to make sure it stays relevant on the battlefield of tomorrow. The Block 1 programme will cover the next ten to fifteen years.” Aloccio continued, “beyond that horizon, we are also planning the Block 2 upgrade that will define the future evolutions of the platform and ensure that it continues to meet the needs of the battlefield of tomorrow.” NAHEMA has played a crucial role in coordinating the requirements and specifications for this upgrade, ensuring that the modernization efforts align with the operational needs of these nations.
By upgrading their NH90 helicopter fleets, NATO member countries can ensure that their air mobility and support capabilities are aligned with current and future mission requirements. This modernization effort is particularly crucial in the face of evolving global security challenges and an uncertain future, where rapid deployment and effective aerial support is essential.