Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo are collaborating on an architecture study to establish the foundation for the NH90’s long-term development, known as Block 2, following a request from NAHEMA (NATO Helicopter Management Agency). This Block 2 upgrade will introduce significant structural enhancements including modular avionics, increased configuration commonality, improved maintenance and performance, alongside new capabilities in collaborative combat, connectivity, and crewed-uncrewed teaming. The study is expected to be contracted with NAHEMA by year-end, enabling participating nations to determine the next steps for Block 2 within a timeframe aligned with ongoing research into next-generation technologies and capabilities.
In May 2024, NAHEMA and NHIndustries (NHI) signed a short-to-medium term enhancement plan—Block 1 (also called Software Release 3)—involving multiple nations, aimed at enhancing fleet capabilities in tactical information, data exchange, sensors, navigation, and weapons integration. The Block 2 study will build on the advancements of Block 1.
This partnership also arises from a Memorandum of Understanding signed in July 2024 between Airbus and Leonardo, targeting a comprehensive review of the NH90 programme and exploring future evolution paths.
