Netherlands Bolsters Naval Air Power with Order for Three Advanced NH90 NFH Helicopters

Strategic Acquisition to Enhance Maritime Capabilities

The Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force is set to expand its naval aviation capabilities following an agreement for three additional NH90 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) aircraft. The contract, signed on December 9 or 10, 2025, between NHIndustries and the NATO Helicopter Design and Development Production and Logistics Management Agency (NAHEMA), also includes an option for two further helicopters. This acquisition will increase the Dutch maritime NH90 fleet from its current 19 units to a potential total of 24.

The new helicopters are slated for delivery around 2030 and will be assembled at Leonardo's facility in Italy. This procurement aligns with the ambitions outlined in the 2024 Defence Memorandum, addressing a recognized shortage in NH90 capacity for maritime missions and amphibious operations.

Advanced Block-1 Features for Enhanced Performance

The newly ordered NH90 NFH helicopters will incorporate the latest Block-1 features, also known as Software Release 3 (SWR3). These upgrades are designed to significantly boost operational effectiveness, particularly in areas such as long-range surveillance, target identification, acquisition, designation, tracking, and engagement.

Key technological enhancements within the Block-1 configuration include:

• Data Link 22 for improved connectivity and secure, tactical beyond-line-of-sight communication.
• Next-generation electro-optical systems.
• A new integrated sonar system referred to as 'Sonics'.
• Additional weaponry.

Furthermore, the Netherlands plans to modernize its existing fleet of 19 NH90s to the same Block-1/SWR3 standard through a mid-life update program. This ensures a uniform capability profile across the entire fleet, enhancing availability, simplifying maintenance and training, and preserving interoperability with NATO allies.

A Long-Standing Commitment to the NH90 Program

The Netherlands has been a foundational member of the NH90 program since its inception in 1999. The country received its first NH90 in 2010 and was the first nation to operationally deploy the helicopter in 2013 during counter-piracy operations off Somalia.

Colonel Dominique Troquete, Deputy Joint Executive Committee representative of the Netherlands, emphasized the helicopter's proven track record, stating, '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 sentiment was echoed by Axel Aloccio, President of NHIndustries, who noted the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force's consistent trust in the program.

NHIndustries: A European Collaboration

The NH90 is developed and manufactured by NHIndustries, a collaborative company established in 1992. This consortium comprises major European aerospace firms: Airbus Helicopters (formerly Eurocopter), Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland), and GKN Fokker (formerly Fokker Aerostructures). The NH90 program was initiated in response to NATO requirements for a versatile battlefield helicopter capable of both land and naval operations.