Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force to expand NH90 NFHfleet with contract for three more helicopters

Aix-en-Provence, 9th December, 2025 – A major step forward in European defence cooperation was marked today by the official signing ceremony between NHIndustries and NAHEMA for the acquisition of three additional NFHs helicopters to be operated by the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force.

“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. 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.” Said Col. Dominique Troquete, Deputy JEC of the Netherlands.

“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” commented Axel Aloccio, NHI President.

Cristian Naso, NHI Managing Director added: “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”.

Thanks to these enhancements, the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force will acquire an even increased operational capability on the battlefield, especially for long-range surveillance, target identification, acquisition, designation, tracking and engagement. The NFHs will detect and counter the threats more efficiently, while communicating advanced tactical real-time encrypted information with the other allies’ cooperative assets, effectively responding to modern interoperability requirements. Thus, ensuring the maximum effectiveness in any kind of mission.

Michael Kohlhaas, NAHEMA GM, added that ‘The Netherlands’ acquisition of three additional NH90 helicopters reaffirms the high confidence in a proven and versatile platform, strengthening national defence capabilities. This decision enhances the NH90 programme and represents a long-term investment in operational readiness, and industrial cooperation.

Today’s ceremony not only reaffirms the NH90 NFH advanced operational capabilities but also the enduring partnership with the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force, a historical pillar of the programme for decades and for decades ahead.

File photo courtesy NHIndustries