Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo are collaborating on an architecture study to establish the foundation for the NH90’s long-term evolution, known as Block 2, in response to a request from NAHEMA (NATO Helicopter Management Agency). The Block 2 upgrade aims to introduce major structural enhancements, including modular avionics, increased configuration commonality, improved maintenance and performance, along with new features in collaborative combat, connectivity, and crewed-uncrewed teaming. The study is expected to be contracted with NAHEMA by year-end and will enable participating nations to determine the next steps for Block 2, aligned with ongoing research into next-generation technologies and capabilities.
Earlier, in May 2024, NAHEMA and NHIndustries (NHI) signed a medium-term enhancement plan, Block 1 (or Software Release 3), involving multiple nations to upgrade fleet capabilities in tactical information, data exchange, sensors, navigation, and weapon integration. The Block 2 study will build upon these advancements.
This collaboration also follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed by Airbus and Leonardo in July 2024, with the shared goal of thoroughly analyzing the NH90 programme’s status and exploring future upgrade paths.
