Col. Dominique Troquete, Deputy JEC of the Netherlands, said: “The Netherlands has been part of the NH90 program from the very beginning, as a founding nation in 1999. We received the first NH90 in 2010 and we were the first nation to operationally use the NH90 in 2013 for counter piracy operations in Somalia.” He added: “Since then the NH90 has proven to be a weapon system with unrivalled operational capabilities and has become an indispensable asset of the Netherlands Ministry of Defence. This contract is yet another new chapter to our long-standing cooperation in the NH90.”
The Ministry stated that the procurement follows the ambition set out in the 2024 Defence Memorandum, which highlighted the growing demand for NH90 capacity. The helicopters will support anti-submarine warfare missions and amphibious operations, reinforcing maritime capability.
NHI President Axel Aloccio said: “The Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force has consistently demonstrated its trust in the NH90 programme, starting from the original landmark investment to develop the platform, which secured 20 NFHs naval helicopters, up to the recently renewed commitment.” His remarks reflected the long-term Dutch role in the programme.
Cristian Naso, NHI Managing Director, stated: “The three additional NFHs aircraft will be assembled by Leonardo in Italy and delivered already embedding the latest Block-1 features, also known as Software Release 3 (SWR3), including the most advanced technologies such as the Data Link 22, next-generation electro-optical system, new integrated sonics and additional weaponry.” He said the current fleet will receive a Midlife Update to reach the same level during the same period.
The Ministry noted that the NH90 has proved itself as an essential weapon system since its first deployment in 2013 during counter-piracy operations off Somalia. It said the acquisition demonstrates continued confidence in both the aircraft and the supplier.
Michael Kohlhaas, NAHEMA GM, said that “The Netherlands’ acquisition of three additional NH90 helicopters reaffirms the high confidence in a proven and versatile platform, strengthening national defence capabilities.” He added that “This decision enhances the NH90 programme and represents a long-term investment in operational readiness, and industrial cooperation.”
The contract was signed by the NATO Helicopter Management Agency on behalf of the Netherlands at the NHIndustries headquarters in Aix-en-Provence. The ministry said the joint procurement framework shared with Germany, France and Italy brings scale benefits, cost efficiencies and a stronger position towards industry.
Commit, the Defence Materiel and IT Command, is responsible for the acquisition of the extra helicopters. Once the new aircraft enter service, the Netherlands will operate 22 NH90s in the maritime configuration.
Source: Ministry of Defence of the Netherlands (press release).
