NATO’s Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) has awarded NHIndustries a contract to deliver three NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters (NFH) to the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force.
Placed on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the deal includes an option for two more helicopters and could expand the Netherlands’ maritime helicopter fleet to as many as 22 aircraft.
The three helicopters will be assembled by NHIndustries’ parent company Leonardo in Italy and will feature the Block 1/Software Release 3 (SWR3) configuration.
SWR3 introduces upgraded avionics, including Data Link 22 for beyond-line-of-sight tactical communications, a new-generation electro-optical suite, enhanced acoustic sensors, and broader weapons integration.
The Netherlands also plans to upgrade its current NH90 fleet to the same standard, enabling a unified configuration that will simplify maintenance, streamline training, and strengthen interoperability with European and NATO forces.
Delivery of the new NH90 NFH units is anticipated around 2030, according to multiple reports.
NHIndustries noted that the acquisition underscores the Netherlands’ long-standing involvement in the NH90 program, which it joined as a founding member in 1999.
