The State of Qatar has made public plans to purchase 28 NH90 military helicopters during DIMDEX, the nation’s biennial defence exhibition.
In total, 16 NH90s in tactical transport (TTH) configuration have been ordered alongside an additional 12 in naval (NFH) configuration, all in support of Qatari plans to modernise its military helicopter fleet. Furthermore, the country will purchase 16 H125 light single-engine helicopters in training configuration for Qatar Armed Forces Air Academy use.
“We are honoured to support the Qatar Armed Forces through this strategic partnership,” said Ben Bridge, Executive Vice President Global Business at Airbus Helicopters.
“The NH90 is a modern and combat-proven asset that will meet Qatar’s demanding operational requirements for decades to come, both in troop transport and naval missions. Our partnership on the new training academy will also strengthen the relationship between our countries by enabling the exchange of expertise and know-how in helicopter operations.”
Airbus will be tasked with final assembly and delivery of the 16 NH90 TTH helicopters from its manufacturing facility in Marignane, France. The remaining 12 NH90 NFH helicopters will be assembled and delivered by prime contractor Leonardo.
According to Airbus, the NH90 is ideal for operations in the most demanding of conditions and is already combat proven in many theatres worldwide. The Qatari contract brings the total order book up to 543 helicopters. To date, 350 have been delivered to 20 customers in 13 countries and have accumulated around 170,000 flight hours.
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