NATO’s Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) has awarded NHIndustries a new contract to deliver three NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters (NFH) to the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force. Placed on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the agreement also includes an option for two additional aircraft, potentially increasing the Netherlands’ maritime helicopter fleet to 22 units in the coming years. The acquisition is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen Dutch naval aviation capabilities amid rising security demands in Europe and the North Atlantic.
The new aircraft will be assembled by Leonardo in Italy, a parent company of NHIndustries. All three airframes will feature the advanced Block 1/Software Release 3 (SWR3) configuration, which integrates upgraded avionics, Data Link 22 for extended-range communications, a next-generation electro-optical sensor suite, and improved acoustic systems for enhanced anti-submarine warfare performance. The configuration also supports expanded weapons integration, ensuring mission flexibility across maritime operations.
The Netherlands has also committed to upgrading its existing NH90 fleet to the SWR3 standard. Aligning the entire inventory under a single configuration is expected to significantly improve aircraft availability, streamline maintenance, reduce training complexity, and strengthen interoperability with NATO and European partners. According to sources familiar with the program, the new helicopters are expected to be delivered around 2030.
NHIndustries highlighted that the latest purchase further reinforces the Netherlands’ long-standing role in the NH90 program. As one of the founding nations since 1999, the Netherlands continues to play a key part in shaping the aircraft’s development and operational evolution within NATO.
