NHIndustries has signed a 15-million-euro ($17.64-million) contract with the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) to conduct a study on the NH90 Block 2 architecture.
The two-year study will define the technical foundations and scope of the next-generation NH90 configuration, aimed at keeping the European military rotorcraft relevant into the 2040s and beyond.
The effort will focus on developing a modular and scalable avionics architecture to enable rapid integration of future technologies.
It will also outline a maintenance framework to boost fleet availability, cut lifecycle costs, and enhance mission capability through connectivity, collaborative combat, and crewed–uncrewed teaming.
At the conclusion of the study, users will have multiple evolution options tailored to their respective operational requirements.
“The signature of this architecture study marks the beginning of the Block 2 journey,” NHIndustries President Axel Aloccio said.
“It confirms the willingness of NHI, of our partner companies, and of our customers to work together on the long-term evolution of the NH90, and it reinforces the platform’s central role to deliver future military helicopter capabilities to the participating nations.”
Meanwhile, NAHEMA General Manager Michael Kohlhaas called the study a “key enabler for nations to assess future capability pathways for the NH90.”
“By defining a robust and future-proof framework, the study will support informed decisions on how to evolve the platform in line with the operational challenges of the long-term future,” he said.
Block 1 Upgrades
The ongoing Block 1 upgrades, also known as Software Release 3, include enhancements to the NH90’s communication suite, integration of Data Link 22 for beyond-line-of-sight interoperability without reliance on satellite communications, and the latest Identification Friend or Foe Mode 5 Level 2.
Additional improvements include the integration of a next-generation electro-optical system, a new dipping sonar, and compatibility with the MK 54 torpedo and Marte ER anti-ship missile.
These upgrades are expected to extend the platform’s service life by up to 15 years.
NH90 Helicopter
The twin-engine, multi-role NH90 is available in two variants: the NFH for naval missions and the TTH for land operations.
Produced by NHIndustries — a consortium led by Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters, and GKN Fokker Aerostructures — the platform is used worldwide for transport, maritime patrol, anti-submarine warfare, special operations, humanitarian missions, and search and rescue.
Since entering service in 2007, more than 600 units have been delivered to NATO and allied operators, including France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and New Zealand.
