Greece Awards Military Type Certificate for NH90 Helicopter

Helis, November 29, 2025 - On Friday, November 28, 2025, the Military Type Certificate (MTC) award ceremony for the NH – 90 helicopters took place at the premises of the National Military Airworthiness Authority (NMAA), in the presence of the Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, General Dimitrios Houpis.

The Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff in his speech (among other things) emphasized the importance of the integration of the NH90 helicopters into the Greek Armed Forces (HAF), as well as the decisive contribution of the Hellenic Air Force (HAF) in the control and certification of the airworthiness of aircraft or other aeronautical systems.

Representatives of the French Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) and the companies AIRBUS – NHIndustries (NHI) also participated in this event.

NH90 helicopter

The NH90 is a modern, medium multirole military helicopter developed by NHIndustries, a consortium formed by Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and Fokker. Designed from the outset as a fully digital, fly-by-wire helicopter, the NH90 incorporates advanced composite materials, a glass cockpit, and integrated avionics to reduce weight and improve survivability. It is produced in two main variants: the TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) for army operations and the NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter) optimized for naval warfare, including anti-submarine and anti-surface missions.

Since entering service in the 2000s, the NH90 has been adopted by more than a dozen countries across Europe, Australia, and Asia, performing roles ranging from troop transport and special operations to maritime patrol, search and rescue, and disaster relief. Its design emphasizes interoperability within NATO forces, with mission systems tailored to national requirements. While the program has faced challenges related to availability, sustainment, and national customization, the NH90 remains one of the most technologically advanced military helicopters in service, forming a key element of many nations’ rotary-wing fleets.

The Hellenic Armed Forces operate the NH90 TTH as part of Greece’s effort to modernize its medium-lift helicopter fleet, primarily for tactical transport, special operations, and humanitarian missions. Introduced to replace older UH-1H Hueys, the NH90 provides the Hellenic Army with enhanced range, payload, and survivability, supported by advanced avionics and fly-by-wire controls well suited to Greece’s demanding geography of mountains and islands. Despite early challenges related to delivery schedules, availability, and support, Greece continues to integrate the NH90 into operational service, where it plays an important role in troop movement, disaster response, and national readiness across both mainland and island territories.