Greece’s Final NH90 Helicopter Acquisition and Fleet Support
Greece is poised to officially accept its 20th and final NH90 medium-lift helicopter, as NHIndustries (NHI) initiates negotiations for national support contracts aimed at enhancing the operational availability of the Hellenic Army’s helicopter fleet.
Delivery Status
A representative from NHI’s principal stakeholder, Airbus Helicopters, confirmed on October 27 that the last NH90 has arrived in Greece and is in the process of formal acceptance into service. The representative stated:
“The aircraft has arrived in Greece but the acceptance process is still ongoing. As is customary, there is some paperwork required before the official handover to the customer.”
Greece’s procurement of the NH90 helicopters, which comprises 16 units in the Troop Transport Helicopter (TTH) configuration and four in the special operations variant, began in August 2003. The initial delivery occurred in June 2011.
Current Deployment
The helicopters currently operational within the Hellenic Army serve various units:
- 1st Infantry Division: Fielded at Stefanovikeio Air Base
- 1st Army Aviation Brigade: Also stationed at Stefanovikeio
- 2nd Army Aviation Group: Operating out of Megara Air Base with the 2nd Army Aviation Helicopter Battalion
Challenges with Fleet Sustainability
Despite 19 helicopters being delivered to the Hellenic Army, the fleet’s operational integrity is compromised. Nine units have been cannibalized for spare parts to maintain the airworthiness of the remaining helicopters, rendering them non-operational.
NHI President Axel Aloccio articulated the challenges posed by this situation:
“Without a support contract, procurement for parts or repairs is unfeasible – effectively paralyzing operations. Just as neglected vehicles eventually fail, the same principle applies to helicopters.”
Importance of Support Contracts
Establishing robust support agreements is critical for fleet longevity and operational readiness. Such contracts enable the continuous provision of essential maintenance, parts, and repairs, thus preventing degradation in operational capability.
Conclusion
The successful integration of the final NH90 helicopter into the Hellenic Army’s inventory is a significant milestone. However, proactive measures in fleet management and support are imperative to ensure that Greece’s aviation assets remain operational and reliable for future missions.
