The Finnish Army Aviation Takes Delivery of Its First NH90

NH Industries, AIX-EN-PROVENCE, France: NHIndustries is pleased to announce the delivery of the first NH90 TTT (Tactical Troop Transport) helicopter to the Finnish Army Aviation. The delivery took place at Eurocopter in Marignane (France) where the helicopter was assembled. 
 
Finland is replacing its ageing fleet of MI-8 helicopters with 20 tactical transport NH90. “We are particularly proud to deliver to Finland this advanced helicopter and are fully confident that Finland took the right decision regarding this choice, being sure that the NH90 will meet the stringent requirements of the Finnish armed forces, both in terms of mission capability as well as for its suitability for the management of international operations” said Gala Gonçalves, General Manager of NHIndustries. 
 
These helicopters are equipped with the most up to date technology (Fly-by-wire, composite materials, system integration) and equipment in terms of navigation, communications, flight aids and self protection. Of the 20 Finnish NH90 helicopters, 19 are to be assembled by Patria in Finland. The first Finnish NH90 assembled by Patria is to be delivered this April to the Finnish Army Aviation. 
 
The Finnish company Patria, a defence and aerospace group focusing on military aircraft and helicopter life cycle support services, is responsible for the final assembly of most of the NH90 helicopters ordered by Sweden and Finland, following an industrial cooperation agreement concluded in the frame of the Nordic Standard Helicopter Programme (NSHP). Under this cooperation Patria also produces some major NH90 structure components, is involved in the assembly of the NH90’s engines and will likewise be responsible for the maintenance and Repair & Overhaul of the Finnish NH90 fleet. 
 
The twin-engine, medium-size NH90 helicopter is provided by the consortium NHIndustries, the company owned by AgustaWestland (32%), Eurocopter (62,5%), and Stork Fokker (5,5%). 
 
The NH90 helicopter programme is the largest ever launched in Europe, with firm orders now reaching 507 units to equip and modernize the Armed Forces of France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Portugal, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Greece, Oman, Australia, New-Zealand, Spain and Belgium. 
 
Final negotiation steps are [continuing] with several other Defence Forces to secure contracts concerning additional NH90, both in the Tactical Transport and Naval versions.