WDS: First outing to WDS by Qatari NH90

The Qatar Emiri Air Force has sent one of its new NHIndustries NH90 NATO frigate helicopter (NFH) variants to the show, marking the type’s WDS debut.

One of the new NH90 NFH helicopters in Qatari colours on display.
Image: Billypix

The NH90 helicopter is enjoying mixed fortunes at the moment. Australia has just grounded and retired its fleet, scrapping the aircraft for spares, while Norway terminated its NH90 programme in 2022, and demanded a full refund, and Sweden has also announced plans to retire the type prematurely.

But other operators are enjoying more success with the aircraft, including the QEAF, which operates both major variants.

Qatar announced its intention to acquire the NH90 In 2014, and signed a contract for 28 NH90s (16 NH90-TTHs for tactical transport and 12 NH90-NFHs for maritime duties) at the Dimdex defence exhibition on 14 March 2018. The purchase was finalised on 20 August 2018, for a total of $3.7 billion, covering the agreed number of NH90s, with an option with six more of each type. The first aircraft were handed over in March 2022.

The NFH helicopters serve with No.8 Anti Surface Vessel Squadron while the TTHs are in service with No.9 Multirole Squadron, both units being based at Doha.

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