“Airbus and Leonardo Join Forces for Innovative NH90 Block 2 Research in Response to NAHEMA’s Vision”

Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo are collaborating to conduct an architecture analysis aimed at establishing the foundation of the NH90 long-term advancement, termed Block 2, in response to a request from NAHEMA (NATO Helicopter Management Agency). The Block 2 upgrade will encompass vital structural enhancements to the aircraft, including modular avionics, increased configuration uniformity, enhanced maintenance and performance, alongside new functionalities in collaborative combat, connectivity, and crewed-uncrewed collaboration. The study, anticipated to be awarded to NAHEMA before the year’s conclusion, will enable nations to determine subsequent steps for the Block 2 advancement in a timeline consistent with other ongoing investigations into next-generation capabilities and technologies.

“Numerous evaluations are currently underway at NATO, EU, and national levels to examine the future of military helicopters,” stated Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “Alongside Leonardo, we are convinced that the NH90 will be pivotal in shaping the future of European defense capabilities. The NH90 Block 2 progress will leverage some of the technologies under review by the European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies initiative that we are jointly undertaking with Leonardo,” he added.

“The NH90 Block 2 investigation undoubtedly augments the long-term progression strategy of the NH90, for which a significant milestone based on the Software Release 3 contract (also referred to as Block 1) was previously outlined last year,” remarked Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters. “We are dedicated to producing a study that aligns with NAHEMA’s expectations while considering the needs of nations and their evolving rotorcraft capability demands,” he concluded.

In May 2024, NAHEMA and NHIndustries (NHI) executed a short-to-medium term program enhancement initiative known as Block 1 (also termed Software Release 3), involving various nations to enhance the capabilities of their operational fleets regarding tactical information, data sharing, sensors, navigation, and weapon integration. The Block 2 architecture analysis will, of course, build upon the Block 1 upgrade.

The partnership between the two manufacturers also derives from the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the partners in July 2024, with the ultimate objective of conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the NH90 helicopter program status and investigating prospective solutions for its evolution.