ROME (Reuters) – NHIndustries has signed a contract worth more than 600 million euros ($648.18 million) with NATO’s Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) to develop an upgrade to the NH90 military helicopter, the France-based group said.
The company – a joint venture between France’s Airbus, Italy’s Leonardo and Holland’s Fokker Aerostructures – will work on a new Release 3 software configuration update for the midsize twin-engine helicopter.
The program is Europe’s largest military helicopter project, with more than 500 helicopters delivered.
“This contract marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to provide our armed forces with the most modern and reliable equipment,” NAHEMA CEO Michael Kohlhaas said in a statement Thursday.
The modernization plan aims to extend the service life of the NH90 fleet and will include both naval and land-based variants used in four different countries – Belgium, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, the statement said.
Leonardo’s share in the project will be about 50% of the total contract value, a source close to the deal told Reuters.
“The rotorcraft sector is one of the most dynamic in the current aerospace and defense industry scenario. Leonardo has a leadership position and is committed to further strengthening this role,” Leonardo Helicopters Managing Director Gian Piero Cutillo said in an emailed statement.
Under its latest five-year strategy, the state-controlled company hopes to increase revenue from its helicopter business by 5.6% over the period and strengthen European alliances.
Cutillo said Leonardo will unveil the new AW249 attack helicopter at the Eurosatory arms and defense exhibition next week near Paris.
“It demonstrates a significant contribution of 80% European technology, making it the best candidate to meet growing European needs and cooperation,” he said.
($1 = 0.9257 euros)