The Norwegian Government and NHIndustries SAS (with parent companies) have reached an amicable settlement by which all disputes between the parties relating to the Norwegian NH90 program are resolved.
As a result of the settlement, all court proceedings between the parties are now concluded.
The settlement provides that NHIndustries (NHI) will take back all helicopters along with associated spare parts, tools, and mission-specific equipment from the Norwegian Government.
NHI will assume full control over the recovered assets and reintegrate them within the NH90 program, making in-demand parts and equipment available to other users of the NH90. NHI will pay the Norwegian Government an agreed cash amount of EUR 305 Millions, in addition to amounts previously paid pursuant to bank guarantees amounting to approx. EUR 70 Millions.
This solution reflects the parties’ mutual agreement to bring all related disputes to a conclusive end.
The parties have engaged in constructive cooperation and demonstrated a willingness to resolve the matter. This has occurred through dialogue with mediators at the Oslo District Court, who have conducted the process in a professional and trustworthy manner.
The parties look forward to moving ahead positively.
Norway and NHIndustries Reach Settlement on NH90 Dispute
Norway and NHIndustries SAS have reached an amicable settlement resolving all disputes related to the NH90 helicopter program. Under the agreement, NHI will take back all NH90 aircraft, spare parts, and equipment, pay the Norwegian Government EUR 305 million plus EUR 70 million in prior guarantees, and reintegrate the assets into the global NH90 fleet
Norway was one of the earliest customers of the NH90 helicopter, ordering 14 aircraft in 2001 — eight in the NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) configuration for the Royal Norwegian Navy and six in the TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) version for the Air Force.
The program, however, faced significant delays, maintenance challenges, and availability issues, leading to operational shortfalls over two decades. In 2022, Norway made headlines by announcing the termination of the NH90 contract, grounding its fleet, demanding reimbursement from NHIndustries and its partner companies (Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and Fokker) and placed and order for Sikorsky Seahawks.
The decision marked one of the most high-profile cancellations in European military aviation, highlighting ongoing challenges in complex multinational helicopter programs.
Did you know?
- The NH90 is Europe’s first fully fly-by-wire military helicopter, developed by NHIndustries, a joint venture between Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and Fokker. Designed to meet NATO requirements for both land and maritime operations, it comes in two main variants: the TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) for troop and cargo transport, and the NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) for naval missions such as anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. Featuring advanced composite construction, digital avionics, and automatic flight control systems, the NH90 offers reduced radar signature and high survivability. Over 500 units have been delivered worldwide, serving with more than a dozen nations including France, Italy, Germany, Australia, and Finland—making it one of Europe’s most ambitious and widely deployed military helicopter programs.
- A settlement dispute refers to the resolution of a legal or contractual disagreement through mutual agreement, rather than continued litigation or arbitration. In the aerospace and defense industry, such settlements often arise from delays, performance issues, or contract terminations in complex multinational programs. Settlements typically include financial compensation, return or redistribution of equipment, and a formal agreement to end all related legal proceedings. This approach allows both parties to avoid lengthy court battles, preserve working relationships, and redirect resources toward future cooperation or fleet support—reflecting a pragmatic solution to high-stakes industrial disputes.