NAHEMA has signed a new procurement contract with NHIndustries to supply three NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters (NFH) for the Royal Netherlands Air and Space Force. Acting on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Defence, the agency also secured an option for two more helicopters, giving the Netherlands the opportunity to expand its maritime helicopter fleet to as many as 22 units. The acquisition supports the country’s strategic modernization drive and reinforces its role within NATO’s collective defense architecture.
Production of the helicopters will be carried out by Leonardo in Italy. Each of the new NFH aircraft will be delivered with the Block 1/Software Release 3 (SWR3) upgrade, a major capability enhancement that introduces modern avionics, Data Link 22 beyond-line-of-sight communication, an advanced electro-optical system, and updated acoustic technology. The improvements also allow for broader weapons compatibility, boosting the platform’s effectiveness in anti-surface and anti-submarine missions.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence has confirmed that its current NH90 fleet will also be upgraded to the SWR3 configuration. Standardizing the entire fleet is expected to simplify logistics, reduce operational downtime, and enable more efficient training pipelines. Additionally, the modernization will ensure greater interoperability with NATO and European maritime forces during joint missions and multinational operations.
Multiple sources indicate that deliveries of the three new helicopters are scheduled for around 2030. NHIndustries emphasized that this latest procurement strengthens the Netherlands’ position as a key contributor to the NH90 program, a role it has held since joining as a founding partner in 1999.
