Deal Includes 16 H125 Training Helicopters

The State of Qatar has signed a contract during DIMDEX 2018 with Airbus Helicopters for the procurement of 28 NH90 helicopters: 16 in for the tactical transport (TTH) role and 12 in naval (NFH) configuration. The deal is a major component of the state’s plan to modernise its military helicopter fleet, under which the Qatar Armed Forces Air Academy will receive 16 H125 light single-engine rotorcraft in training configuration.

The NH90 is well suited for operations in the most demanding conditions and has been combat-proven in many theatres of operation worldwide. This contract for 28 helicopters brings the total order book to 543 aircraft, of which 350 have so far been delivered to 20 customers in 13 countries and have accumulated around 170,000 flight hours. The twin-engine, medium-size NH90 helicopter programme is managed by NHIndustries, a company owned by Airbus Helicopters (62.5%), Leonardo (32%), and Fokker (5.5%). Leonardo will act as prime contractor for programme management with the end customer, while Airbus will be responsible for final assembly and delivery of 16 NH90 TTH aircraft from its facility in Marignane, France. Leonardo will conduct final assembly and deliver the 12 NH90 NFH helicopters from its Venice-Tessera facility in Northern Italy. 

“We are honoured to support the Qatar Armed Forces through this strategic partnership [….] 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,” observed Executive Vice President Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, Ben Bridge.