NH90 Block 2 Upgrade Study: Technologies, NAHEMA’s Role, and Airbus–Leonardo Partnership

Figure: The NH90 multi-role helicopter (here a German Navy NFH version) is a modern medium-lift rotorcraft, 20 m long with twin 2,300‑shp turboshaft engines. It entered service in the 2000s and can carry ~20 troops or two NATO-standard cargo pallets. (Photo: Airbus Helicopters) The NH90 was developed by NHIndustries (Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, Fokker) to NATO standards. It typically operates in two variants – a Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH) for troop/carriage roles and a NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) for maritime duties.

Equipped with advanced avionics, sensors and armaments, the NH90 has served 11 NATO and allied nations. It is fitted with machine guns, cannon pods and can integrate air-to-surface missiles for combat roles. NATO’s Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) oversees the multinational NH90 program on behalf of participating nations. NAHEMA coordinates NH90 development, production and in-service support – in practice negotiating contracts with NHIndustries and managing upgrades across its user community.

For example, in May 2024 NAHEMA signed a ~€600 million contract for NH90 Software Release 3 (the “Block 1” upgrade) covering about 200 helicopters (from Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands). Block 1 introduces new capabilities such as the first airborne Link 22 tactical datalink on any helicopter, high-definition electro-optical/infrared sensors and sonar for the naval NFH, upgraded navigation/GNSS, and new weapons (e.g. MBDA Marte ER missiles and Mk 54 torpedoes). In effect, Block 1 boosts data-sharing, sensor fusion and self-defence systems on the in-service NH90 fleet. The forthcoming Block 2 study will build on these enhancements and define a longer-term evolution.

At the 2025 Paris Air Show (Le Bourget) on 18 June 2025, Airbus Helicopters (France) and Leonardo (Italy) announced a joint “architecture study” to plan the NH90 Block 2 modernization. This follows a request by NAHEMA for an assessment of long-term NH90 upgrades (covering roughly 200 helicopters operated by NATO members).