Aircraft

NH Industries has offered an interim solution to the Netherlands after the country was hit by fresh delays to deliveries of its NH90 Naval Frigate Helicopters.

Initial helicopters will now be delivered in a "meaningful operational configuration" under an agreement brokered between the manufacturer and Dutch undersecretary of defence Jack de Vries.

The Netherlands intends to deploy its NH90 NFHs as replacements for its ageing Westland Lynxs, but the type has been by problems with its radar system and is overweight. Under the new plan, seven NH90s will take over land-based Lynx operations from March 2010, but the latter will continue to be used as a frigate-based helicopter for a further two years.

The first NH90 with full operational capability is due to be handed over in March 2011, and the initial seven helicopters will subsequently be returned to the manufacturer to be upgraded to this standard.