Strengthening NATO’s NH90 Capabilities
Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo have announced a collaborative effort aimed at enhancing the NH90 helicopter’s functionality within NATO. This partnership arises in response to the NATO Helicopter Management Agency’s (NAHEMA) request to evaluate potential upgrades for approximately 200 NH90 helicopters currently in service with member countries. The study will concentrate on various critical aspects, including structural improvements, advanced avionics, maintenance capabilities, flight performance enhancements, and optimized communication systems. Furthermore, it will assess compatibility between manned and unmanned systems while ensuring greater uniformity to meet the dynamic needs of modern warfare.
This comprehensive assessment is expected to be presented to NAHEMA by the end of the year, with NATO countries reviewing the findings to make the necessary modifications to their NH90 fleets. Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, emphasized the significance of this project, stating, “There are several ongoing studies at NATO, EU, and national levels to evaluate the future of military helicopters. Alongside Leonardo, we believe that the NH90 will play a central role in the future of European defense capabilities.”
A Vision for the Future
The NH90 upgrade initiative marks a crucial phase known as Block 2 in NATO’s modernization research. This effort aligns with the alliance’s overarching objective to cultivate next-generation capabilities and technologies. Back in 2024, NAHEMA had already initiated the Block 1 phase of the NH90 upgrade project, which will serve as the foundation for the forthcoming enhancements.
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, noted the importance of the NH90 Block 2 study, stating that it significantly contributes to the long-term evolutionary roadmap of the aircraft. He highlighted that a crucial phase based on the Software Release 3 contract, also referred to as Block 1, was detailed last year. Cutillo reaffirmed their commitment to delivering a study that aligns with NAHEMA’s expectations while addressing the evolving needs of member nations and their rotorcraft capabilities.
