Netherlands to Enhance Self-Protection for NH90, Apache, and Chinook Helicopters

The Netherlands plans to upgrade self-protection for NH90 maritime attack helicopters, Apache attack helicopters, and Chinook transport helicopters.

State Secretary Christophe van der Maat reported the same to the House of Representatives today. The initiative aims to enhance crew safety and ensure operational effectiveness.

Defense helicopters are crucial for global military operations and often face threats from enemy anti-aircraft systems, such as infrared and radar-guided missiles and anti-aircraft artillery. The increasing sophistication of these weapons necessitates improvements in current self-protection systems.

The NH90 helicopters, which operate over sea and land, are primarily threatened by radar-guided weapon systems. To counter these threats, the NH90 will receive a modern radar warning receiver and an enhanced system to divert radar-guided missiles. Additionally, for its role as an amphibious transport helicopter, Defense will acquire a separate modular self-protection system with adaptable military software, as no existing system meets this requirement.

Apaches, used in both rural and urban conflict zones, face threats from both radar and infrared-guided missiles. To address this, the Apache will be equipped with a radar warning receiver and a laser to jam and deceive infrared-guided missiles. Defense is considering the procurement of this system from the American government.

For the Chinook, a new system will be acquired to enhance protection against infrared-guided missiles. Defense aims to align its equipment purchases with those of international partners, while maintaining its own operational effectiveness.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate is exploring the possibility of Industrial Participation in these acquisitions. This would require foreign companies to place orders with Dutch manufacturers.