The Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force will receive three new NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters (NFH) following the signing of a new contract between the Dutch Ministry of Defence, NHIndustries (NHI), and the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA).
The agreement reinforces the country’s long-term commitment to the multinational NH90 program and expands the operational capabilities of its naval aviation fleet.
According to NHIndustries, the aircraft will be assembled by Leonardo in Italy and delivered with the latest Block 1 configuration (Software Release 3 — SWR3). This version includes modernized mission systems such as Data Link 22, a new-generation electro-optical suite, integrated sonics, and additional weapon options, significantly enhancing performance in anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, and long-range naval operations.
Cristian Naso, Managing Director of NHIndustries, highlighted the technological advances incorporated into the new helicopters:
“The three additional aircraft will be assembled by Leonardo in Italy and delivered already embedding the Block 1 features, also known as SWR3, which include advanced technologies such as Data Link 22, next-generation electro-optical systems, new integrated sonics, and additional armament.”
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Representing the Netherlands on the Joint Executive Committee, Colonel Dominique Troquete emphasized the country’s historical role in the program:
“The Netherlands has been part of the NH90 program from the beginning, as a founding nation in 1999. We received the first NH90 in 2010 and were the first country to deploy it operationally, in 2013, in anti-piracy operations in Somalia. Since then, the NH90 has demonstrated unmatched operational capabilities and has become an indispensable asset for the Ministry of Defence. This contract represents another chapter in our long cooperation.”
NHIndustries President Axel Aloccio recalled that Dutch confidence in the project is longstanding:
“The Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force has always demonstrated confidence in the NH90 program, from the initial investment that secured 20 NFH helicopters to this new commitment.”
For Michael Kohlhaas, General Manager of NAHEMA, the new order strengthens both national and NATO capabilities:
“The acquisition of three new NH90s by the Netherlands reaffirms confidence in a versatile and proven platform, strengthening national defense. The decision represents a long-term investment in operational readiness and industrial cooperation.”
Updated configuration expands maritime capabilities
The NH90 NFH in its SWR3 configuration is optimized for long-range naval missions, including maritime surveillance, detection, identification, and target engagement. The new systems enable more efficient responses to modern threats and ensure encrypted real-time tactical communication with allied assets, meeting NATO interoperability requirements.
Designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), search and rescue (SAR), and fleet protection, the NH90 NFH is already operated by several NATO member states.
With the arrival of three new aircraft fully equipped for complex missions, the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force strengthens its naval helicopter fleet, ensuring long-term readiness and technological alignment with other NATO maritime air units.
Source and images: defensie.nl. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
