Airbus Helicopters, through the NHIndustries joint venture, has delivered the first NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter to the German Navy, marking the start of fleet introduction for the service’s next-generation maritime combat aircraft.
The handover took place during a delivery ceremony at the naval air base in Nordholz. Germany plans to receive a total of 31 NH90 Sea Tiger helicopters by 2030. The type is intended for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions and will replace the navy’s ageing Mk88A Sea Lynx helicopters, which have been in service since the early 1980s.
The Sea Tiger is the latest variant of the NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter and has been tailored to German Navy requirements. It is equipped with a new electro-optical system, improved electronic support measures, dipping sonar, sonobuoys and weapons including torpedoes and missiles. The helicopter is designed for shipborne operations, with missions ranging from reconnaissance and transport to engaging surface and underwater targets. Its systems have been tested during campaigns in the Mediterranean and North Seas.
Germany already operates 18 NH90 Sea Lion helicopters in a naval transport and search-and-rescue role, delivered between 2019 and 2023. NHIndustries said more than 135 naval NH90s have been delivered worldwide to six nations, contributing to over 90,000 flight hours in operational service, while the global NH90 fleet has accumulated close to 500,000 flight hours.
