Sweden to ax NH90 fleet under revised defense equipment plan | News
Sweden plans to join close neighbor Norway in jettisoning NH Industries’ NH90 helicopter under new defense equipment and spending plans.
Unveiled on November 1, the proposals put forward by General Micael Byden, head of the Swedish military, will see the country retire the NH90s operated by its armed forces for battlefield support and naval missions, replacing them with additional Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawks. and an as yet undetermined type.
Stockholm had earlier in the year commissioned a review of the performance of its NH90 fleet, particularly regarding upgrades required to strengthen the type’s anti-submarine warfare. Availability issues with the troop transport variant have also been a concern.
On the back of that process, Byden’s plans call for “decommissioning” the HKP-14E and -14F – Sweden’s designations for the NH90 troop transport and naval helicopters – over the period 2024 to 2030. The 18-strong fleet includes nine of each version.
According to the proposals, Stockholm will start the procurement of a new maritime helicopter in the period 2024-2030, while also buying additional Black Hawks for the battlefield support role.
– The aim is to meet operational requirements earlier and increase the availability of the helicopter fleet to be able to support the needs of the army, special forces and the navy, the plans state.
The decommissioning of the NH90 fleet will be completed by 2035 at the latest, in parallel with the acquisition of new Black Hawks, the document states.
In addition, Sweden will begin the retirement of its 20-strong fleet of Leonardo Helicopters AW109M light twins over the period 2024-2030, with that process ending in 2035.
By 2035, its helicopter fleet will include nine for naval operations and 27 for battlefield support. Currently, it operates 15 UH-60s that were acquired due to delays with the NH90 program.
Stockholm’s decision – which has yet to be formally approved by the government – is the latest blow to NH90 in the region. Earlier this year, Norway said it was canceling its contract with NH Industries and returning the helicopters it had already received due to delivery delays and a lack of capacity.
Australia has also replaced its NH90 fleet with Black Hawks due to availability issues.
NH Industries is a three-way consortium consisting of Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters and GKN/Fokker.