The Royal New Zealand Air Force has wrapped up a full upgrade program for its NH90 helicopter fleet, carried out at Base Ohakea. The updates target enhanced operational performance, safety, and allied force coordination.
Among the most impactful improvements is the ability to integrate more effectively with coalition forces, thanks to upgrades in friend-or-foe identification technology. The aircraft are now also compliant with ADS-B OUT standards, a civil aviation requirement for broadcasting aircraft position in real time.
Automation upgrades enable the helicopters to now maintain a hover down to full touchdown, improving mission flexibility and reducing landing risk in high-demand operations.
