NH90 Sea Tiger
Naval variant of the NH90 helicopter specifically configured for the German Navy (Deutsche Marine) to replace the aging Sea Lynx Mk88A in the shipborne anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare roles. The Sea Tiger features a Leonardo AESA search radar, dipping sonar, sonobuoy processing system, torpedo capability, and a comprehensive mission system for autonomous maritime patrol operations. Equipped with door-mounted weapons for force protection and anti-surface engagement. Designed to operate from F125 and F126 frigates as well as K130 corvettes. Germany ordered 31 Sea Tiger helicopters with first deliveries beginning in 2025, representing a significant enhancement to the Deutsche Marine's rotary-wing capability.
![Leonardo (formerly Finmeccanica) logo](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="200" height="60" viewBox="0 0 200 60"><rect width="200" height="60" fill="%23111"/><text x="100" y="38" font-family="Arial" font-weight="bold" font-size="18" fill="%23c8a84b" text-anchor="middle">LEONARDO</text></svg>)
- Purpose-built for anti-submarine warfare from frigates
- Modern digital cockpit with integrated mission systems
- Can carry MU90 torpedoes and anti-ship missiles simultaneously
- Designed for German Navy F126 frigate operations
- NH90 platform has a troubled reliability history across all variants
- High maintenance hours per flight hour
- Availability rates historically low for NH90 family
- Complex multi-national industrial arrangements slow upgrades
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