Egypt, France In Discussions Over NH90 Helicopter Buy

Negotiations were at an advanced stage as of October 1 between France, and Egypt for the sale of a significant number of NH90 medium helicopters. The order would be a follow-on to recent sales of French armament to the Arab country, especially corvettes, frigates and landing ships—all compatible with the NH90.
Egypt has not issued any formal request for proposals for the multi-role helicopter.
Saudi Arabia is believed to be funding Egypt’s latest weapons purchases.
Egypt may choose between the tactical transport (TTH) and naval (NFH) versions of the NH90, or a mix of the two. The NFH can operate from Gowind-class corvettes or FREMM frigates, and both variants can be based on a Mistral-class landing ship.
Russian candidates like the Kamov Ka-27/29 and the Mi-17 are seen as relatively old technology or not fit for operations aboard ships. Egypt recently ordered Ka-52 attack helicopters, also believed to be intended for use on landing ships. In addition to protecting the Suez Canal, the newly purchased helicopters may help the country support Saudi Arabia’s military campaign in Yemen.
Late last month, the French Navy took delivery of its 15th NH90 naval variant, the first to be delivered in final radar configuration.
ainonline

French Navy NH90 NFH Caïman Achieves IOC for ASW with MU90 Torpedo

The French Navy (Marine Nationale) announced that its NH90 Nato Frigate Helicopter (NFH) "Caïman" Achieved its Initial Operational Capability (IOC) for Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) missions with MU90 Torpedo, a major capability step for the FREMM / NH90 combo that can now deal with the submarine threat from a safer distance.
The French Navy took delivery of its first NH90 in May 2010. In February 2013, it achieved the on-board anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability and was used for the protection of Carrier Battle Group or for the French SSBNs.
Now it has the capacity to hunt and engage autonomously any submarine threatening the French Navy. Currently an NH90 NFH Caiman is accomplishing its First Operational Deployment on board the Horizon class air-defence destroyer Chevalier Paul.
navyrecognition

Germany Signs Deal for 18 NFH90 To Replace Navy Sea King

Germany has finally confirmed a deal that will see it order 18 new NH Industries NH90 NFH helicopters for its navy, while at the same time trimming commitments for the troop transport variant and Airbus Helicopters Tigers.
However, the German army will now receive 80 instead of 122 NH90s, with two further airframes for training and 22 more covered by options. In addition, its order for the Tiger will fall to a total of 68 attack helicopters. However, 11 early-build examples will be immediately retired from service, with the army targeting a future frontline fleet of just 40.
Deliveries of the Sea Lion model are due to commence in 2018, as the German navy retires its fleet of Westland Sea King 41s.
Germany has a difficult relationship with the NH90, having recently temporarily grounded the 10.6t troop transport variant over safety concerns.
flightglobal

Italian Navy Receives First NH90 NFH in Full Operational Capability

The Italian Navy has taken delivery of its first NH90 NFH helicopter in Full Operational Capability configuration. The helicopter will be assigned to the 5th Helicopter Squadron of the Italian Navy.
The Italian Navy has ordered 56 NH90s, 46 of which in the NFH variant.
The five previously delivered Step A (MOC, Meaningful Operation Capability) helicopters will begin to be retrofitted to bring them to the final configuration.
aviation.ca

Belgium receives its first NH90 Naval Helicopter

Eurocopter delivered the first NH90 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) to the Belgium Armed Forces, providing an advanced, highly capable and fully-qualified rotary-wing aircraft for this nation’s multi-role mission requirements. In addition to being the no. 1 NH90 NFH received by Belgium, it also is the first built at Eurocopter’s Donauwörth, Germany.
Belgium will become the fifth country to put the NH90 NFH version into service, joining France, Italy, the Netherlands and Norway. The aircraft delivered is rated at Full Operational Capability (FOC), ensuring its aptitude for the full range of Belgium naval missions – such as Search and Rescue (SAR) or military missions at sea.
eads

Royal Netherlands Navy NH90 NFH Helicopter first operational deployment for Somalia Mission

The newest helicopter of the Dutch Armed Forces, the NH90 is aboard HNLMS De Ruyter Frigate on its way to Somalia. It is the first overseas mission for the maritime helicopter. The NH90 will provide an important contribution to the EU anti-piracy mission Atalanta.

The board helicopter will be mainly used for intelligence, reconnaissance and patrol and thus will act as the 'eyes and ears' of the frigate. With advanced detection equipment such as EO/IR sensor, radar and gauge collected information can then be forwared quickly and automatically via a data link.

The helicopter crew consists of a pilot, a coordinator for the tactical execution of the mission and an operator who operates the sensors and analyzes if necessary onboard weapons deployment. For helicopter operations from HNLMS De Ruyter, a total of 13 men are onboard.

navyrecognition

Eurocopter Delivers 8th NH90 NFH Caiman to France’s DGA for its Deployment by the French Navy

Eurocopter delivered the French DGA’s first NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) in its new Step B version, to be used by the French Navy.

This aircraft will join the fleet of seven NFHs already delivered to the French Navy in the first standard configuration.