First NH90 TTH of the year arrives for French Army
A total of eight NH90 TTH transport helicopters are expected to be delivered to the French Army in 2022.
The DHFS fleet of H135 helicopters will grow to 34. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
Airbus Helicopters UK announced on 2 February that it has won an order to provide five additional H135 twin-engine helicopters for the MoD.
The company did not disclose the delivery timeframe or value of the order.
The MoD already operates 29 H135s in the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) at RAF Shawbury, where all British Army, RAF and RN rotary-wing pilots are instructed under the Military Flying Training System (MFTS).
DHFS additionally operates seven Airbus H145 helicopters.
In May 2016, Airbus was selected by Ascent as the aircraft service provider for the MFTS in a 17-year contract worth £500 million ($678 million).
However, Shephard understands that the five new helicopters will not be based at Shawbury for use by the DHFS.
This story was amended on 3 February to clarify that the helicopters are not destined for the DHFS.
A total of eight NH90 TTH transport helicopters are expected to be delivered to the French Army in 2022.
The USN has contracted Raytheon to support multi-spectral targeting systems installed on MH-60R and MH-60S Seahawk helicopters.
In another twist for Germany's heavy-lift helicopter acquisition, the MoD has questioned where information about selection of the CH-47F came from, dismissing such a claim and stating that an official announcement will happen soon.
Poland looks to be closing in on an overdue deal for new attack helicopters.
Nigeria has been approved by the US to buy AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters.
With Saudi military aircraft numbers set to double in the next ten years, SAMI and Boeing are joining forces for helicopter MRO in the kingdom.