The Dutch Ministry of Defence is purchasing three additional NH90 maritime combat helicopters. The contract was signed on 9 December and includes an option for two more. The new NH90s are expected to enter service in 2030.
With this purchase, the Ministry of Defence is acting on the ambition set out in the 2024 Defence White Paper, which highlights the growing demand for NH90 capacity. The helicopters will be used for anti-submarine operations and to support amphibious missions.
All new aircraft will be delivered with the latest upgrades, while the current NH90 fleet will receive a Midlife Update to the same standard during the same period.
Since their first deployment in 2013 during the anti-piracy mission off Somalia, the helicopters have proven to be an indispensable capability. By acquiring additional aircraft, Defence confirms its confidence in both the platform and the manufacturer.
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International procurement programme
On behalf of Defence, the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (Nahema) signed the contract with NATO Helicopter Industries at the company’s headquarters in Aix-en-Provence. Nahema is an agency representing the Netherlands, Germany, France and Italy, authorised to conclude contracts on behalf of the four nations.
By working together in this international procurement programme, the four countries share development and sustainment costs, benefitting from economies of scale and greater efficiency. The partnership also strengthens their collective position toward industry.
The Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT) is responsible for acquiring the additional helicopters. Once the new aircraft are added to the inventory, the Netherlands will operate 22 NH90s in the maritime configuration.
Picture: NH90 over the sea (photo by Dutch Ministry of Defence).
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