Utility Helicopter
NH90
The NH90 is a European twin-engine medium military helicopter built by NHIndustries, a joint company of Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Fokker. Developed to a NATO requirement, it was the first production helicopter with full fly-by-wire controls and comes in TTH transport and NFH naval versions.
France|NHIndustries (Airbus Helicopters & Leonardo & Fokker)Overview
The NH90 first flew on 18 December 1995 and entered service in 2007. Its largely composite fuselage carries 20 seated troops or 12 stretchers in the TTH version, with a maximum take-off weight of 10,600 kg, rising to 11,000 kg on Standard 3. Two RTM322 or CT7-8 engines give a top speed of about 300 km/h and a range of about 800 km. The NFH naval version adds a search radar, dipping sonar and torpedoes or anti-ship missiles.
About 525 had been built by January 2026, with users including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Oman and Qatar. The programme has drawn criticism over high operating costs, low availability and spare-parts problems. Norway cancelled its contract in 2022, and Australia retired its MRH90 Taipans in 2023 after a fatal crash. Development continues with Standard 3, a French special-forces version and the Block 1 upgrade. NH90s have served in Afghanistan, Mali and off Somalia.
Key Specifications
Variants
Tactical Transport Helicopter for armies and air forces, carrying 20 troops or 12 stretchers.
NATO Frigate Helicopter for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare from ships, fitted with radar, dipping sonar and torpedoes.
French name for the country’s TTH and NFH aircraft, flown by the French Army and Navy.
Operators
France
Germany
Italy
Netherlands
Spain
Belgium
Greece
Finland
Sweden
New Zealand
Oman
QatarFrequently Asked Questions
How much does an NH90 cost?
An NH90 costs roughly €30–50 million per helicopter, depending on the version and support package. Qatar’s 2018 order for 28 aircraft, 16 TTH and 12 NFH, was worth about €3 billion including support.
Why did Australia and Norway get rid of the NH90?
Norway cancelled its NH90 contract in June 2022, citing delays and low availability. Australia grounded and retired its MRH90 Taipan fleet in 2023 after a crash in July that year killed four crew members.
NH90 vs Black Hawk: which is better?
Neither is outright better. The NH90 is a larger fly-by-wire helicopter carrying 20 troops, while the UH-60 Black Hawk is smaller but has a far bigger global fleet and support network; Australia and Norway both turned to Sikorsky types after dropping the NH90.
Which countries use the NH90?
NH90 operators include France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Greece, Finland, Sweden, New Zealand, Oman and Qatar. Belgium now flies only the naval NFH, and Sweden plans to retire its fleet.
How fast is the NH90?
The NH90 has a maximum speed of about 300 km/h and cruises at about 260 km/h. The TTH has a range of about 800 km and the naval NFH about 1,000 km, with an endurance of around five hours.
Which Arab countries have the NH90?
Oman and Qatar are the Arab operators of the NH90. Oman ordered 20 NH90 TTH in 2004, and Qatar ordered 28 in 2018, with its NFH helicopters operating from Italian-built corvettes.