“Revolutionizing the Skies: Airbus and Leonardo Unite for Next-Gen NH90 Block 2 Innovations Aligned with NAHEMA’s Goals”

Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo are joining forces to perform an architectural assessment aimed at establishing the groundwork for the NH90 long-term development initiative, referred to as Block 2, in response to a solicitation from NAHEMA (NATO Helicopter Management Agency). The Block 2 enhancement will incorporate essential structural upgrades to the aircraft, including modular avionics, enhanced configuration consistency, improved maintenance and performance, along with new features in cooperative combat, connectivity, and manned-unmanned operations. The evaluation, expected to be awarded to NAHEMA before the conclusion of the year, will empower nations to identify subsequent actions for the Block 2 evolution within a timeline that aligns with ongoing investigations into next-generation capabilities and technologies.

“A multitude of assessments is currently underway at NATO, EU, and national levels to evaluate the future of military helicopters,” expressed Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters. “Together with Leonardo, we are confident that the NH90 will be crucial in shaping the future of European defense capabilities. The NH90 Block 2 development will utilize several technologies under examination by the European Next Generation Rotorcraft Technologies initiative that we are collaboratively pursuing with Leonardo,” he elaborated.

“The NH90 Block 2 examination undoubtedly enhances the long-term advancement strategy of the NH90, for which a significant milestone based on the Software Release 3 contract (also known as Block 1) was outlined last year,” commented Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters. “We are committed to producing an assessment that aligns with NAHEMA’s aspirations while accommodating the nations’ evolving rotorcraft capability needs,” he concluded.

In May 2024, NAHEMA and NHIndustries (NHI) launched a short-to-medium term program enhancement initiative known as Block 1 (also referred to as Software Release 3), encompassing various nations to bolster the capabilities of their operational fleets regarding tactical information, data interchange, sensors, navigation, and weapon integration. The Block 2 architectural evaluation will, naturally, build on the Block 1 upgrade.

The collaboration between the two manufacturers also stems from the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the partners in July 2024, with the ultimate goal of conducting a comprehensive assessment of the NH90 helicopter program’s status and exploring potential solutions for its advancement.