The Qatari Army took delivery of the first of 16 NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopters (TTH) ordered from Airbus Helicopters in December 2021, the company has announced. In 2018, Qatar ordered 16 NH90 TTHs for the army and 12 NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopters (NFH) for the navy. Delivery of the NFHs is scheduled to begin this year. All 28 helicopters are to be delivered by 2025.
The supply contract commits Leonardo as prime contractor to manage the overall programme and to manufacture and deliver the 12 NFHs. Airbus Helicopters will build and deliver the 16 TTHs. The two companies work together in the NHIndustries joint venture, which was established in 1992 to develop, manufacture and support the operation of the NH90 helicopter.
In addition to the delivery of the helicopters, the contract includes a comprehensive package of services for crew and maintenance training, including simulators, for operational support and the provision of related infrastructure. In addition, the delivery of a further six TTHs and six NFHs has been agreed as an option.
Qatar is the 14th nation to use the helicopter, which has been in service with NATO and friendly nations since 2006. According to Airbus Helicopters, the Qatari order brings the total number of NH90s ordered to 543, of which more than 460 aircraft have been delivered to 20 users in 13 nations.
GWH
