German Navy NH90 Sea Tiger embarks on its initial flight
Article: The Next Generation of Naval Helicopters: The NH90 Sea Tiger
The German Navy is set to welcome a new addition to its fleet with the arrival of the NH90 Sea Tiger, a multi-role naval frigate helicopter. This advanced helicopter, a variant of the NH90 NFH, is designed for anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare missions, combining the best from European rotorcraft and defense industry.
The NH90 Sea Tiger is a joint venture between Airbus Helicopters (62.5%), Leonardo (32%), and GKN Fokker (5.5%), with each company bringing its long aerospace pedigree to the project. The helicopter is expected to replace the ageing Mk88A Sea Lynx fleet, which entered service in 1981.
The Sea Tiger is equipped with advanced sensors, including the Thales FLASH SONICS dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and an LEOSS-T electro-optical turret for targeting and surveillance. It is also armed with MU90 lightweight torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare and MBDA Marte ER anti-ship missiles for surface warfare.
The Sea Tiger is designed to operate effectively from the decks of German frigates, with folding rotor blades enabling shipboard storage. It is capable of engaging targets above and below the surface, in addition to reconnaissance and transport missions.
The German Bundeswehr has already ordered 31 NH90 Sea Tiger multi-role frigate helicopters, with deliveries scheduled to begin at the end of 2025. The first NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter took off for its maiden flight at Airbus Helicopters' site in Donauwörth, Germany. Airbus Helicopters is currently in a qualification phase for the NH90 Sea Tiger, focusing on flight testing and new systems.
The Sea Tiger's capabilities were recently demonstrated during a major rescue operation in the North Sea, where the Bundeswehr's NH90 Sea Lion naval transport helicopters, already in service, played a crucial role.
With more than 500 NH90 helicopters in service worldwide, accumulating over 370,000 flight hours, the NH90 Sea Tiger is one of the leaders in the latest generation of military helicopters. It represents a step-change from earlier platforms like the Lynx helicopter, with integrated high-tech systems for multi-mission fluidity and enhanced naval interoperability.
References: - Airbus NH90 Sea Tiger - Naval Warfare, 2025 [1]
The NH90 Sea Tiger is a collaborative effort between Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and GKN Fokker, showcasing the combined expertise of multiple industries, including aerospace. As part of the German Navy's naval fleet renewal program, the Sea Tiger will replace the ageing Mk88A Sea Lynx fleet, signifying a significant shift in finance towards modern technology and advanced naval helicopters.
