Germany has selected the NH Industries NH90 as the replacement for its navy's 21-strong fleet of Westland Sea Lynx 88A anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.

 A French Marine Nationale NHIndustries NH90 NFH helicopter  (Picture source: US Navy)

Germany is already procuring a fleet of 18 NH90 "Sea Lions" as replacements for its elderly Westland Sea King 41s to be used on search and rescue and troop transport missions. The navy said the decision to have a single aircraft type adjusted for performing both combat and search and rescue and transport roles would ensure “a smooth transition and synergies in later operations.”

The first SAR NH90 variant, the Sea Lion, is scheduled to be delivered this year.The first frigate helicopter version, to be referred to as the multi-role frigate helicopter (MRFH), is to be delivered in 2025, according to the Navy.

The NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NH90 NFH) is already flown by the navies of France, Italy, Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands.