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

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/...0-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……

NHI response

Meanwhile at the Uk Treasury... "Hey look, they're going cheap and could replace Puma" ;)


Ohh, the cynic in me...

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.

I take it this is now off

https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/p...-collaboration

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……

Cheap and NH90 don't exactly go together.

I wonder if we could return the A400M? :=

I thought we did...regularly, and for long periods?
Freeman

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.

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.

It worked with australia, they were given 12 months, at their own expense to fix our MRH-60