NH90: Australia, Norway, and Sweden to discontinue adoption
– Three countries have problems with NH90 operation and parts availability
– Joint development by France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy
Summary from Grand fleet article.
Decision to discontinue NH90 operation:
Australia, Norway, and Sweden have announced the discontinuation of the NH90 due to concerns about operability and spare parts availability.
NH Industries’ argument:
Three countries have given up on NH90 operation.
The reputation of the NH90 has been severely damaged by the series of problems.
1. NH Industries still sees a way for the NH90 to survive.
2. It argued that there are prospects for sales of up to 100 units in the future.
Joint development by four European countries:
The NH90 was jointly developed by France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy.
The NH90 competes with the UH-60, AW149, H225M, etc. in overseas markets.
1. Spain, Belgium, Finland,
2. Greece, Norway, Sweden,
3. Australia, New Zealand,
4. Successfully exported to Oman and Qatar.
Australia returns NH90:
In December 2021, Australia will retire the NH90 early and introduce the UH-60M.
1. Although the NH90 has not reached the end of its useful life, it will be switched to the UH-60M.
2. By ceasing operation, Australian taxpayers will save $1.8 billion until 2037.
Reasons for ceasing operation:
3. Australia ordered the NH90 in 2005 and eventually introduced a total of 47 aircraft.
4. It took time to resolve the problems, and the availability rate decreased due to the need to obtain spare parts.
Norway also returns NH90s:
In the case of Norway, the delivery of the ordered NH90s was delayed by more than 10 years.
1. The NH90’s availability rate remains less than half of the expected value.
2. By the way, 14 aircraft were planned to fly 3,900 hours per year.
However, the actual annual flight time was only 700 hours/8 aircraft.
Reasons for discontinuing operation:
In June 2022, it was concluded that “even with maintenance and purchasing parts, the NH90 cannot meet the military’s requirements.”
1. The process of returning the NH90s and spare parts that were received will begin.
2. The approximately 5 billion kroner paid so far will be returned, along with interest.
It was announced that it would make a request to NH Industries (NHI).
Sweden also returns NH90s:
In November 2022, Sweden also raised concerns about the low availability rate.
It was announced that the NH90 would be discontinued (with plans to acquire UH-60Ms).
NHI CEO: Mr. Arosio:
On October 8, the mediation between NHI and Norway failed and legal proceedings were started.
NH90 issues that damaged reputation:
1. Lack of understanding of supplier supply speed.
2. NHI was not responsive enough to customer expectations.
3. To improve availability, simplify maintenance and increase parts supply speed.
NH90 future:
1. There is spare capacity for airframes, engines and moving parts.
2. 50 to 100 units are expected to be sold due to Middle Eastern orders.
Agreement between Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands:
Agreement has been reached to develop software for the NH90 (integration of systems such as Link22, LEOSS-T and sonar).