Norway clears ‘duel-role’ NH 90

The Government of Norway has determined that its fleet of NH Industries NH90 helicopters will be operated for both Naval and Coast Guard requirements. The Royal Norwegian Air Force’s eventual fleet of 14 NH90 NFHs would support both anti-submarine warfare as well as fisheries protection and border production missions. Defence minister Frank Bakke-Jensen has stated that Norway will be operating the NH90 for both missions

by early next decade. However deliveries of the NH90s, ordered in 2001 are “significantly delayed”.

Further, the ministry stated that “experience so far shows that operating costs are far higher than planned”, but, as the Minister stated, “there is no other 11-tonne helicopter on the market today that will provide us with equivalent capacity. The expected increased operating costs and the need for the armed forces must be addressed in connection with the next long-term plan”.