The Dutch Ministry of Defense announced on December 9, 2025, the signing of a contract for the acquisition of three additional NH90 NFH maritime combat helicopters, with an option for two more, which will join the current fleet of the Royal Netherlands Navy. The delivery of these aircraft is scheduled for the year 2030, raising the total number of naval NH90s to 22 units.
The decision responds to what was established in the 2024 Defense Memorandum, which highlighted the growing demand for embarked aerial capabilities for anti-submarine warfare operations, support for amphibious forces, and maritime security missions. The new helicopters will be delivered with the latest technological improvements introduced to the NH90 family, while the current fleet in service will receive a Mid-Life Update (MLU) program to possess the same configuration.
In December 2023, the Royal Netherlands Navy confirmed that its entire NH90 fleet would be subjected to the aforementioned update with the objective of extending its useful life and improving critical systems such as avionics, sensors, communications, and mission capabilities. This seeks to guarantee that the helicopters maintain full interoperability with next-generation naval platforms while meeting NATO standards and requirements.
However, the modernization of the NH90s is not exclusive to the Netherlands. In June 2024, NHIndustries announced a joint program with Germany, Belgium, Italy, and the Netherlands to move forward with the update of their respective fleets. This multinational effort, coordinated through the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA), allows for sharing development and maintenance costs, achieving economies of scale and strengthening the position of the participating countries toward the industry.
With this purchase and the modernization program, the Netherlands ensures that its naval helicopter fleet remains fully relevant against the challenges of the European and global maritime environment. The combination of new acquisitions and MLU reinforces the Navy’s capacity to operate in international coalitions and respond to emerging threats in the North Atlantic and the North Sea.
*Photographs used for illustrative purposes.
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