First NH90 Sea Lion delivered to the German Navy
NewsOctober 25, 2019
NETHERLANDS. Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first NH90 Sea Lion naval multi-role helicopter to the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), with a further two to be delivered by the end of the year.
In total, 18 Sea Lions have been ordered for the German Navy, with deliveries expected to be completed in 2022. The selection of the Sea Lion as the successor to the Sea King was made in March 2013, and the corresponding contract was signed in June 2015.
When deployed, NH90 Sea Lions will take on a wide range of roles including search and rescue, maritime reconnaissance, special forces, and personnel and material transportation missions. The Sea Lion will also operate on Type 702 (Berlin class) combat support ships.
The Sea Lion will not only replace the German Navy’s Sea King Mk41 fleet but enhance its operational capabilities. The fly-by-wire flight controls of the NH90 Sea Lion reduce the crew’s workload due to its ease of use.
