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Mixed opinions continue to swirl around the future of the NHIndustries consortium’s NH90 helicopter after Norway canned its own helicopter program earlier this year.
Sweden and New Zealand are among international militaries still operating the aircraft, while the Australian Defence Force grounded its MRH-90 Taipan helicopter fleet after a fatal crash during Talisman Sabre 2023.
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During that incident, an MRH-90 helicopter fatally crashed south of Hamilton Island, while another aircraft ditched into NSW waters during a routine counter-terrorism training exercise in March of that year.
The incidents followed suspended flying operations in June 2021 after issues were found relating to the aircraft’s IT support system, as well as a tail rotor vibration problem identified at HMAS Albatross in 2019.
“Sweden is still flying its 18 NH90s. They are considering what they want to do with their fleet, and this is (an analysis) that has been ongoing for several years, and we are in regular contact with them to see where they are in their analysis,” according to comments made by NHI president Axel Aloccio, speaking to media, including Janes, at a Marignane production facility media event last month.
“To my knowledge, there is no firm or official decision on what they intend to do; they are very happy with the performance they get out of their NH90s, in particular the version with the dipping sonar and which they use intensively in the Baltic Sea to hunt for Russian submarines, so they are very busy at the moment. With this on our side, we are focusing on improving the support system.”
Earlier this month, the Norwegian government announcement that it had reached an amicable settlement with NHIndustries SAS regarding its own Norwegian NH90 program.
“The settlement provides that NHI will take back all helicopters along with associated spare parts, tools and mission-specific equipment from the Norwegian government,” according to the Norwegian government.
“NHIndustries will assume full control over the recovered assets and reintegrate them within the NH90 program, making in-demand parts and equipment available to other users of the NH90.
“NHI will pay the Norwegian government an agreed cash amount of MEUR 305, in addition to amounts previously paid pursuant to bank guarantees amounting to approx. MEUR 70. This solution reflects the parties’ mutual agreement to bring all related disputes to a conclusive end.
“The parties have engaged in constructive cooperation and demonstrated a willingness to resolve the matter. This has occurred through dialogue with mediators at the Oslo District Court, who have conducted the process in a professional and trustworthy manner. The parties look forward to moving ahead positively.”
