Germany’s Navy has taken delivery of its first NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter, marking the start of a 31-aircraft induction program led by Airbus Helicopters through the NHIndustries joint venture.
The aircraft is part of a contract signed in 2020, with full delivery of the fleet scheduled to be completed by 2030. The Sea Tiger will replace the long-serving Mk88A Sea Lynx helicopters, which have been operational since the early 1980s.
Designed for naval combat roles, the Sea Tiger will conduct anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions, as well as reconnaissance and transport tasks for Germany and NATO forces operating in the Baltic and Atlantic regions.
The helicopters will complement the Navy’s existing 18 NH90 Sea Lion transport helicopters, delivered between 2019 and 2023. These aircraft are currently deployed on maritime search and rescue missions and aboard 702-class replenishment ships.
In preparation for the Sea Tiger’s arrival, the German Navy signed a contract in November 2024 with Reiser Simulation and Training to supply an NH90 maintenance training system, allowing maintenance crews to practice advanced procedures.
As the newest member of the NH90 family, the Sea Tiger has been configured to German Navy specifications. The lead aircraft completed its first flight in Donauwörth in late 2023 and underwent further testing in 2024 before its delivery in December 2025.
The platform features upgraded electro-optical sensors, enhanced electronic support measures, a dipping sonar, and sonobuoys, and can be armed with torpedoes and missiles. NH90 helicopters are developed and supported by NHIndustries, jointly owned by Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and GKN Fokker.
