First Operational Deployment Of NH 90 To Afghanistan

NHI Industries has delivered the first batch of NH90 helicopters to Afghanistan as Italy plans to operate about six choppers in the coming months. The NH-90 will replace the Army’s six AB205 helicopters; it will also be the first time the NH90 is deployed on a theatre operation. Test flight of the helicopters will take place in Afghanistan and will perform tactical transport and medevac missions with the CH47 and A129 helicopters. The Army is planning on deploying four of its helicopters to the rugged region by the end of September. They will perform tactical transport missions along with CH47 and A129 helicopters. NHI industry is currently competing to win the Indian Navy’s Multi Role Helicopter (MRH) $ 1 billion competition. Current orders for the NH 90 helicopter stand at 514 worldwide with recent orders from Norway, Oman, France, Finland and Italy. The NH90 has a range of 450 miles, compared to the AB205’s 250 miles the aircraft offers digital mapping, armor, self-protection suite including flares, satellite communication, encrypted radio and two pintle-mounted M134D guns, and are certified to operate with the rear ramp open in flight.