During the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (DIMDEX) 2024, the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) and Leonardo commemorated the remarkable achievement of 2,500 flight hours of the NH90 helicopter fleet. This landmark accomplishment has been facilitated through strategic partnership, bolstered by Leonardo’s active role in offering training and supporting maintenance operations.
With an impressive serviceability rate exceeding 80%, the Qatar Emiri Air Force stands out as a significant NH90 operator, utilizing both the TTH (Tactical Troop Transport) and NFH (Naval Frigate Helicopter) variants for terrestrial and naval missions. The primary objectives of the aircraft encompass troop transport and logistical support, rescue operations, and surveillance activities.
Since the initial delivery in 2018, the QEAF has successfully acquired 18 helicopters from an order of 28, which includes nine TTH variants constructed at the Marignane assembly facility (Airbus) and nine NFH variants made at the Venice final assembly line (Leonardo).
Leonardo serves as the primary contractor for the comprehensive programme, overseeing the assembly and delivery of NH90 NFH helicopters from its manufacturing facility in Tessera, Venice. Additionally, Leonardo provides on-site assistance to the Air Force, comprising engineers, proficient technicians, logistics professionals, and trainers.
The firm has also established a Training Centre at Doha Air Base, featuring two Full Flight Simulators (FFS) in both naval and land configurations, developed in collaboration with CAE, along with an array of other systems to address flight and mission training needs.
Following its entry into service in June 2023, nearly 1,700 hours have been accrued on the Full Flight Simulators in collaboration with military trainers from the Italian Armed Forces.
The NH90 helicopter incorporates cutting-edge generation systems, achieving optimal performance across all military operations, whether on land or at sea. Designed and validated for operation in the most challenging environments, including sand, dust, and ice, the NH90 features versatile multi-role capabilities that enhance its effectiveness in diverse military settings, utilizing a shared platform designed for fleet optimization and interoperability.
