The Netherlands’ entire NH-90 fleet is scheduled to begin mid-life upgrades (MLU) in 2028, with the process scheduled to conclude in 2032. The MLU will be conducted by 860 Squadron maintenance personnel and NH Industries staff.
The Dutch Ministry of Defence said in a release,
Defense will extensively modernize all 19 NH90 maritime combat helicopters. This so-called midlife update (MLU) is necessary to keep the weapon system deployable and operationally relevant for the future. As part of this, the new data link system Link-22 will also be introduced. State Secretary Christophe van der Maat reported this to the House of Representatives today.
NHI Industries is a French company established in 1992, wholly owned by Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters and Fokker Aerostructures. The armed forces have been using the NH90 since 2010.
Dutch Ministry of Defence believes that in two years, the helicopter will have reached half its planned lifespan. Several systems date from the 1990s and are now outdated.
Defense mainly uses the NH90 to build up a maritime environmental picture of a fleet, for anti-submarine warfare and for amphibious transport.
The helicopter can collect large amounts of data with sensors and share it in real time with other units. Due to the unparalleled qualities of this device, there is currently no equivalent workable alternative available.
Netherlands is looking at making the NH90 mission systems future-proof through the MLU, where both the hardware and software of the devices will be adjusted. The modernization includes new communications equipment, an improved sonar system and the integration of the new MK54 torpedo.
The navy will still put this into use. In addition, electromagnetic surveillance and collection equipment is being improved. Adjustment of support systems is also part of the modernization package. This includes training resources and simulators, including the mission planning and analysis system and test equipment.
Picture : Iain Cameron
An important part of this update is the replacement of the tactical datalink system. The current data link system Link 11 is very outdated and will eventually be decommissioned. The replacement is Link 22, which NATO partners are also using.
Link 22 has many more options and is more secure. This system is necessary to share the large amounts of data that the NH90 collects with other flying and sailing units.
The NH90 helicopter emerged from a partnership between European countries as customers and companies as suppliers. The Dutch industry is also participating. The Netherlands signs the agreement for the MLU of the maritime version of the helicopter together with Belgium, Germany and Italy.
The modernization work is done as much as possible in the Netherlands, both by defense personnel and by Dutch industry. This gives Defense more influence on planning and lead times. The first NH90s are expected to be modernized from 2028 and are expected to last another 15 years.
Source : Dutch Ministry of Defence
