Despite delays to the program, service entry with the Netherlands armed forces is planned for later this year. The navalised NH 90 is also a contender to replace the Australian Navy's Seahawks and aborted Super Seasprite capability. At Avalon, Eurocopter and Australian Aerospace executives were keen to discuss its capabilities.
The Defence White Paper calls for six MRH 90 helicopters to replace the Sea King fleet along with 24 naval combat helicopters equipped with dipping sonar to detect submarines at long ranges. Industry is hoping that AIR 9000 Phase 8 will be brought forward from its present 2018 timeframe (see Defence Today, 'Maritime Helicopter Operations Beyond Seasprite' June 2008 and 'Beyond the Navy's Seahawk Helicopter' December 2008).
This may be on the cards, as Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon wants the helicopters in service as soon as practicable. "This project will be pursued as a matter of urgency to overcome the current deficiencies in the Navy's aviation fleet," Mr Fitzgibbon said.
Eurocopter's Deputy Vice President Business Development and Export Contracts, Governmental Business Dominique Destelle, Australia-New Zealand Sales Manager Frédéric Huin, and Loic Porcheron, Head of Defence Helicopter Campaigns for Australian Aerospace were all present at Avalon. During the show they took time out to brief Defence Today on why they believe the NH 90 NFH is the leading contender for AIR 9000 Phase 8.