https://www.checksix-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=212085
https://www.checksix-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=214244
Article Flight Global, avec le titre : Sweden to axe NH90 fleet under revised defence equipment plan
https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopter ... 78.article
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Stockholm earlier in the year had commissioned a review into the performance of its NH90 fleet, particularly relating to upgrades required to bolster the type’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Availability issues with the troop transport variant have also been a concern.
On the back of that process, Byden’s plans call for it to “decommission” the HKP-14Es and -14Fs – Sweden’s designations for the NH90 troop transport and maritime helicopters – over the period from 2024 to 2030. The 18-strong fleet comprises nine of each version.
Under the proposals, Stockholm will begin the procurement of a new maritime helicopter in the 2024-2030 period, while also buying additional Black Hawks for the battlefield support role.
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Retirement of the NH90 fleet will be completed by 2035 at the latest, in parallel with the acquisition of new Black Hawks, the document says.
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Stockholm’s decision (...) has yet to be formally approved by the government
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NH Industries (NHI) (...) says it ”acknowledges” the Swedish study and the rationalisation of its helicopter inventory ”including the phasing out of their current NH90 fleet”.
It points to the customisation of the helicopters for Sweden’s requirements – including increased cabin height and a Saab-developed tactical mission system for the naval version. In addition, NHI stresses that availability rates for the country’s NH90s have been “above the average for similar helicopter types” albeit the size of the available fleet has been “temporarily reduced” in recent years due to a retrofit and upgrade programme running since 2017 but due to conclude by end-2023.
”The expected return into service of all of the Swedish NH90s at that time will boost fleet availability. NHI has also proposed to the Swedish armed forces over the last few months additional measures that could significantly improve availability and reduce operating costs with limited efforts,” says the consortium.
