German Navy takes delivery of first NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter

The German Navy has officially taken delivery of its first NH90 Sea Tiger helicopter at a ceremony held at Nordholz Naval Air Base on 16 December 2025. The aircraft was handed over by Airbus Helicopters through NHIndustries, marking the start of a programme that will see a total of 31 Sea Tigers delivered by 2030.

The NH90 Sea Tiger will serve as the German Navy’s new primary platform for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW), gradually replacing the ageing Mk88A Sea Lynx fleet that has been in service since 1981. The delivery follows the successful introduction of 18 NH90 Sea Lion naval transport helicopters, delivered between 2019 and 2023 and currently used for maritime transport and search-and-rescue missions.

Based on the NH90 NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH), the Sea Tiger incorporates enhanced capabilities tailored to German naval requirements. These include a new electro-optical system, upgraded electronic support measures, a dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and the ability to carry torpedoes and missiles. The helicopter is designed for shipborne operations, including reconnaissance, transport, and engagement of targets above and below the surface. Its systems have been validated during extensive test campaigns in the Mediterranean and North Seas.

NHIndustries noted that more than 135 naval NH90 variants have already been delivered to six countries, with the global NH90 fleet exceeding 530 helicopters and nearly 500,000 flight hours across military, humanitarian, and search-and-rescue operations.