The German Navy has officially received its first NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter from Airbus Helicopters, delivered through the NHIndustries joint venture at Naval Air Base Nordholz. The handover marks a significant milestone in Germany’s effort to modernize its maritime rotary-wing fleet and strengthen naval aviation capabilities.
The Sea Tiger delivery falls under a 2020 contract with Airbus, which calls for the acquisition of 31 helicopters by 2030. Once fully operational, the aircraft will progressively replace the Mk88A Sea Lynx, a platform that has served the German Navy since 1981 and is approaching the end of its operational life.
Designed for high-end maritime warfare, the NH90 Sea Tiger will support anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) missions, along with reconnaissance and transport tasks. The helicopters will operate across the Baltic Sea and the Atlantic, supporting both national defense and NATO maritime operations.
The new fleet will complement the navy’s existing 18 NH90 Sea Lion naval transport helicopters, which were delivered between 2019 and 2023. The Sea Lions are primarily assigned to maritime search and rescue missions and operate from 702-class replenishment vessels, ensuring continuity and interoperability across Germany’s naval helicopter force.
Configured specifically to meet German Navy requirements, the Sea Tiger represents the latest variant of the NH90 platform. It is equipped with an advanced electro-optical sensor suite, enhanced electronic support measures, a dipping sonar, and sonobuoys, enabling effective undersea warfare and surveillance.
The helicopter is also armed with torpedoes and missiles, providing a credible maritime strike capability. The first aircraft conducted its maiden flight in Donauwörth in late 2023, followed by extensive flight testing throughout 2024, before its delivery in December 2025.
