NHIndustries has officially delivered the first NH90 Sea Tiger to the German Navy, marking the beginning of a 31-aircraft fleet scheduled for completion by 2030.
The Sea Tiger represents the newest naval evolution of the proven NH90 platform and has been tailored specifically to meet the German Navy’s requirements for advanced anti-submarine warfare. The aircraft is equipped with upgraded mission systems, a new electro-optical sensor suite, a dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and a comprehensive weapons package.
Designed for versatility, the Sea Tiger excels not only in reconnaissance and transport missions but also in engaging targets both above and below the surface.
The new fleet will progressively replace the Navy’s long-serving Mk88A Sea Lynx helicopters, which have been in service since 1981.
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Download free sample pages More informationThis first delivery reaffirms the commitment to supply next-generation capabilities and strengthens the longstanding partnership with the German Navy, which already operates 18 NH90 Sea Lion helicopters.
“We are extremely proud to deliver the first NH90 Sea Tiger today to the German Navy—on cost, on time, and on quality,” said Stefan Thomé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Germany. “The Sea Tiger will provide the Navy with a powerful tool to protect Germany’s, Europe’s, and NATO’s borders in the Baltic Sea and the Atlantic, offering exceptional anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.”
To date, 135 naval NH90 helicopters have been delivered to six nations, accumulating more than 90,000 flight hours across search and rescue, humanitarian, and military missions. As Europe’s largest military helicopter programme, the NH90 remains a benchmark for modern operations thanks to its full-composite airframe, spacious cabin, strong power-to-weight ratio, and extensive mission-specific equipment options.
The aircraft features a quadruplex fly-by-wire flight control system that reduces pilot workload and enhances handling performance. The NH90 family includes two primary variants: the NH90 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) for naval missions and the TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) for land-based operations.
Worldwide, more than 530 NH90 helicopters of both variants have been delivered, operating in diverse climates and environments over land and sea, and collectively surpassing 500,000 flight hours.
