European defence cooperation took a further step forward on Wednesday with the signing of a contract between NHIndustries (NHI) and the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) for the purchase of three additional NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) variants for the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force.
The Netherlands has been part of the NH90 programme since its inception in 1999 and received its first aircraft in 2010. Dutch NH90s entered operational service in 2013, including counter-piracy missions off the coast of Somalia. Defence officials said the helicopter has since become a core capability for the Netherlands Ministry of Defence.
The newly ordered aircraft will be assembled by Leonardo in Italy and delivered with the latest Block-1 configuration, also known as Software Release 3 (SWR3). The upgrade includes Data Link 22, a next-generation electro-optical system, new integrated sonics and expanded weapons integration.
NHI President Axel Aloccio said the order reflects continued Dutch confidence in the NH90 programme, while Managing Director Cristian Naso noted that the upgraded helicopters will significantly enhance long-range surveillance, target detection, tracking and engagement capabilities.
NAHEMA General Manager Michael Kohlhaas said the acquisition strengthens Dutch defence readiness while reinforcing the long-term viability of the multinational NH90 programme and its industrial cooperation framework.
Officials added that the enhanced NFHs will improve interoperability with allied forces by enabling secure, real-time encrypted data sharing during joint operations, ensuring effectiveness across a wide range of missions.