View Full Version : RNoAF to return all NH90s
Fresh of the Norwegian MOD press conference, with the minister delivering the news.
Not a big surprise, the NH90 is 17 years late, and still not able to perform any of the missions specified in the contract.
NH90 to go, MOD to seek coverage of some cost (https://www-nrk-no.translate.goog/norge/_forsvarsdepartementet-og-forsvaret-holder-pressemote-om-helikopter-1.15996891?_x_tr_sl=no&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=no&_x_tr_pto=wapp)
golder
10th Jun 2022, 06:09
They are joining a list of countries that aren't happy with the NH-90 and Tiger helicopters. I wouldn't hold my breath, while waiting for a refund.
Press release below, Norwegian followed by English version below.
Seeking a full refund of all costs and expenses.
https://www.fma.no/aktuelt-og-media/2020/norge-leverer-tilbake-nh90-helikopteret
….The Norwegian Defence Material Agency has subsequently informed the manufacturer of the NH90, NATO Helicopter Industries (NHI), that it has terminated the contract in its entirety, and that it will be seeking full restitution of all funds and assets received by both parties. The Agency will now begin preparations to return the helicopters along with any spares and equipment received. It will also request a refund from NHI, which will include the approximately NOK five billion it has paid under the contract, in addition to interest and other expenses……
rattman
10th Jun 2022, 10:20
NHI response
https://mobile.twitter.com/Rotorfocus/status/1535185891228012545
NutLoose
10th Jun 2022, 11:12
Meanwhile at the Uk Treasury... "Hey look, they're going cheap and could replace Puma" ;)
Ohh, the cynic in me...
Speedywheels
10th Jun 2022, 13:38
It would appear that the grounds for termination are the inability of NHI to meet the contracted availability. I’m sure the Norwegians will have had discussions with the Australians and, based on their experience, seen little light at the end of the tunnel. NHI state they have modifications/enhancements in the pipeline (but at who’s cost?) and Norway’s decision is groundless.
Grabbing the popcorn to watch the outcome of this one.
NutLoose
10th Jun 2022, 14:03
I take it this is now off
https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2022-02-airbus-helicopters-and-kongsberg-sign-long-term-collaboration
Oslo, 3 February 2022 – Airbus and Kongsberg of Norway have signed a long-term strategic agreement to collaborate over support and services for the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding between Airbus Helicopters, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, and Kongsberg Aviation Maintenance Services, the companies will work to strengthen the deployment of local maintenance capabilities with the objective to optimize the availability of the NH90 (https://www.airbus.com/en/products-services/helicopters/military-helicopters/nh90) helicopter.
The fact that replacement (and potential increase in numbers) of the tactical transport helos are due soon, might have some cynics thinking that the helo(s) both the tactical and maritime folks wanted all along might be offered……
Not Long Here
10th Jun 2022, 17:56
Meanwhile at the Uk Treasury... "Hey look, they're going cheap and could replace Puma" ;)
Ohh, the cynic in me...
Cheap and NH90 don't exactly go together.
Corporal Clott
10th Jun 2022, 18:18
I wonder if we could return the A400M? :=
Freeman Lowell
10th Jun 2022, 22:10
I wonder if we could return the A400M? :=
I thought we did...regularly, and for long periods?
Freeman
Two's in
11th Jun 2022, 19:04
Some interesting legalese in play here:
"...NHI was not offered the possibility to discuss the latest proposal made to improve the availability of the NH90 in Norway and to address the specific Norwegian requirements."
That's roughly equivalent to 'We offered a dying swan, last gasp pitch at achieving availability (that everybody knew was unachievable), but the Norwegians saw right through it and decided to tell us to poke off". As long as the procurement contract had a hard coded availability requirement, and the non availabilities were well documented for cause and impact, the Norwegians will have a pretty solid case. A good time to discuss availability requirements with the customer is often before contract signature, not 17 years into the delivery cycle.
Big Pistons Forever
11th Jun 2022, 19:19
Should have bought the Seahawk.
Sadly the RCAF is in exactly the same place for exactly the same reasons with the Cyclone helicopter. I am told with a squadron having 8 helicopters it is common to have only one fully operational at a time.
rattman
11th Jun 2022, 20:43
Some interesting legalese in play here:
"...NHI was not offered the possibility to discuss the latest proposal made to improve the availability of the NH90 in Norway and to address the specific Norwegian requirements."
That's roughly equivalent to 'We offered a dying swan, last gasp pitch at achieving availability (that everybody knew was unachievable), but the Norwegians saw right through it and decided to tell us to poke off". As long as the procurement contract had a hard coded availability requirement, and the non availabilities were well documented for cause and impact, the Norwegians will have a pretty solid case. A good time to discuss availability requirements with the customer is often before contract signature, not 17 years into the delivery cycle.
It worked with australia, they were given 12 months, at their own expense to fix our MRH-60