NAHEMA - NATO HELICOPTER MANAGEMENT AGENCY

Software Release 3 On June 13th 2024, during the Community Steering Committee, the General Manager of NAHEMA, Michael KOHLHAAS, and the President of NH Industries, Axel ALOCCIO, announced the signing of a major contract titled, the “Software Release 3 - Development and Qualification”. This contract involves a software and hardware upgrade of the Belgian, Dutch, German and Italian NH90 fleets. Tactical Transport Helicopters (NH90 TTH) and NATO Frigate Helicopters (NH90 NFH) will receive numerous technical modifications such as up to date IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) functions and modern communication equipment, including satellite communication. New electro-optical systems will improve reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities. Furthermore Data Link 22 will be introduced in the NFH fleet to exchange tactical data with other units in real-time. A modernization of submarine detection and naval warfare weapon systems will further enhance the operational capabilities of the NH90 NFH. Taking into account the number of technical modifications and the financial commitment, the Software Release 3 project can be considered the most important joint evolution of the NH90 to date, and prepares the most advanced military helicopter in service for the coming decades. ��

52nd Community JEC Meeting and 100th JEC Meeting. On April 10th and 11th 2024, NAHEMA hosted the 52nd Community JEC Meeting and the 100th JEC Meeting. On the occasion of this centennial JEC, and for the first time, the Meeting sequence has changed and discussions started by the rich Agenda of the Community, confirming the NAHEMA’s and Nation’s will to deeply discuss primarily all the Community issues in this delicate phase of the NH90 Programme. In particular, it was confirmed the importance to revitalize the In-Service-Support strategy that, at Management level, has to drive the Programme in the following years.

Eight new NH90 ordered by France. End of December 2023, the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA) of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces authorized the procurement of additional eight NH90 helicopters to be used by the Special Forces of the French Army. Based on this decision NAHEMA and NHI signed the procurement contract and the amended development contract, to cope with the latest French Special Forces’ requirements. The French Government's decision underlines how much the Nations belonging to NAHEMO believe in the NH90 platform, the Programme and its future, deciding on new investments to expand and upgrade their fleet. The deliveries are expected in the timeframe 2027 to 2029.

In-service Support Frame Contract Amd 3 signature. On December 18, 2023, on the occasion of the periodic NAHEMA/NHI JOINT LEADERSHIP MEETING, held for the first time at the new NHI premises, the NAHEMA General Manager, Mr. Michael KOHLHAAS and the NHI President Mr. Axel ALOCCIO, signed the Amendment 3 to the In-service Support Frame Contract (ISFC)’. This important step enables NAHEMA to place Service Order Agreements (SOAs) with NHI, in particular for ‘Through Life Support (TLS)’ and ‘Obsolescence (OBSO)’ also on behalf of Spain, the only Community Nation that was not included in the ISFC up to now. Another big step for the Common present and future of the Nations in the NH90 Programme.

SC and CSC at NAHEMA. On 28 and 29 November 2023, at NAHEMA headquarters, the Steering Committee (SC) and the Community Steering Committee (CSC) were held between the Heads of Delegation the Nations participating to the NH90 Programme. The meetings were characterized by intense and fruitful discussions on further increasing efficiency and effectiveness in the Programme, In-Service Support and future aspects of the Management. The President of the NHI Consortium, who participated in the second day, highlighted how Industries are proceeding with the clear target to increase the availability and efficiency of NH90 helicopter fleets in the Nations.  

JEC99 and CJEC51 at NAHEMA. The 99th JEC meeting and 51st CJEC meeting took place on 17 and 18 October 2023 at the NAHEMA headquarters in Aix-en-Provence. The meetings gave the opportunity to the new General Manager (GM) of the Agency, Michael KOHLHAAS, at the beginning of his tenure to present the state of the NH90 Program and to share his line of action to face the challenges that await the NH90 and the Agency. In a spirit of continuity with his predecessor, the GM has set himself the aim of further increasing the efficiency and effectiveness in the NH90 program for the good of Nations. The GM was keen to underline that all Nations should equally participate in the decision-making process while in the same time keeping in mind the constraints of Partners in this collaborative program. Finally, great emphasis was given to the negotiations between NHI and NAHEMA on the contract for the Software Release 3. A good status is reached, negotiations were performed on all levels in a constructive and collaborative spirit. The NH90 platform will be able to count on an updated system suitable for the operational activities that await the helicopter in the near future.

A new General Manager for NAHEMA On October the 1st 2023, Vice Admiral (ret. Italian Navy) Giorgio GOMMA, after three and a half years at the helm of NAHEMA, will hand over his mandate. During his tenure, continuing the transition of the NH90 Programme towards its “In Service” phase, VADM GOMMA has managed to finalize important contracts focused, in particular, on the progressive evolution of the platform, the optimization of the support activities and the digital transformation of the Agency. Finally yet importantly, last year, NAHEMA premises were transferred to a new location providing a more suitable and efficient building in terms of office space, security systems and info structure. The new General Manager, appointed by NATO Secretary General on recommendation of the Steering Committee, will be Mr. Michael KOHLHAAS, currently NAHEMA Systems Division Leader. He is holding a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering and he gained a broad aeronautical programme background during his career, including working in various positions in both the Ministry of Defense and the Procurement Agency in Germany.

Contract Extension and Future Plans. On the first day of September 2023, NAHEMA General Manager Giorgio GOMMA signed the extension of the Through Life Support Contract (TLS) for the NH90 helicopter. This contract is instrumental for the whole Community as it will allow to deliver all necessary services for the helicopter's fleet in the next 5 years. Looking ahead, NAHEMA plans to further expand and enhance the services covered by this contract to better meet the evolving needs of the NH90 Community. @NHI @ Frank CARATI @ Joost JONKERS @Nicolaas PERENBOOM @Luca RIVA