Overview
- NAHEMA, the NATO agency that manages the NH90, signed a contract Monday with NHIndustries for a two-year Block 2 architecture study in a deal reported at €15 million.
- The study centers on a modular, scalable avionics design to speed tech upgrades, with goals that include simpler upkeep, greater parts commonality, and new links for data sharing and drone teaming.
- Block 2 builds on the ongoing Block 1/Software Release 3 work that is set to retrofit more than 200 aircraft with Link 22, a new EO/IR sensor, sonar gear, and added weapons integration.
- Work will run alongside Europe’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies research and will follow high-level needs from participating nations to produce clear upgrade options for decision makers.
- Program leaders frame the step as restoring confidence after past reliability issues that led Australia to retire its MRH‑90s and Norway to cancel its contract, with a 500,000‑hour fleet record used to justify investment and a maintenance plan aimed at higher availability for crews.