German government proposes new solution for NH90 and Tiger contract

摘要

The German government has proposed a new solution to end the stalemate with Airbus Helicopters over its contract for NH90 transport and Tiger attack helicopters, following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2013 to reduce the order commitments. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) originally ordered 120 NH90TTH and Tiger PAH helicopters, but wants to reduce its acquisition to 80 NH90TTH and 40 operational Tigers. A compromise proposed under the MoU suggested the Army take delivery of 80 NH90TTH, with 22 options and another 18 aircraft completed as NH90NFH naval helicopters to replace the ageing Westland Sea King Mk.41 fleet from 2018. The MoD is now further suggesting that the 22 optioned helicopters be used to form a multinational NATO brigade for partner country security force missions. These aircraft would be co-located with the German NH90TTH fleet to take advantage of shared maintenance and logistics facilities.