In response to a request from NAHEMA (NATO Helicopter Management Agency), Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo are partnering to conduct an architecture study to define the framework for the NH90 long-term evolution, known as Block 2. This upgrade will focus on significant structural improvements such as modular avionics, enhanced configuration commonality, better maintenance and performance, and new capabilities including collaborative combat, connectivity, and crewed-uncrewed teaming. The study, anticipated to be contracted with NAHEMA by the end of this year, will assist nations in deciding the next steps for Block 2 in harmony with other ongoing studies of next-generation capabilities.
In May 2024, NAHEMA and NHIndustries (NHI) agreed on a short-to-medium term enhancement plan called Block 1 (Software Release 3), involving several countries, to boost tactical information sharing, data exchange, sensors, navigation, and weapons integration. Block 2 will leverage the gains from this upgrade.
This partnership builds on a July 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between the two companies, aiming to comprehensively assess the NH90 programme’s current state and identify future development opportunities.
