Based on the agreed recommendation of the defense sector, the government decided to complete the gradual introduction of the NH90 helicopter.
- We entrusted Forsvarsmateriell with the task of terminating the contract with the supplier, says Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram.
The news was announced at a press conference in Oslo on Friday morning.
and demands a refund
Forsvarsmateriell has sent the cancellation declaration to the supplier NH Industries. Accordingly, the Norwegian authorities will begin preparations for the return of both helicopters. The return also applies to other equipment from the supplier. The Norwegian authorities will demand reimbursement of approximately NOK 5 billion that has been paid, plus interest and other expenses.
- We have tried to solve problems in cooperation with the supplier many times, but more than 20 years after the conclusion of the contract, we still do not have helicopters that can do what they were purchased for. At the same time, the supplier is unable to provide realistic solutions to the problems, says Gro Jære, director of defense materials.
14 helicopters were to be delivered
The purchase of the NH90 has been going on since 2001. According to the plan, by 2008, 14 sea helicopters were to be delivered for use on coast guard vessels and frigates. As of today, 8 helicopters have been delivered in the final version.
Helicopters, scheduled to fly 3900 hours a year, flew an average of 700 hours. In February 2022, the Armed Forces were commissioned to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the capabilities of the sea helicopter in cooperation with Forsvarsmateriell and the Research Institute of the Armed Forces. The evaluation report shows that even with large additional investments it will not be possible to increase it to the level corresponding to the needs of the Armed Forces.
The NH90 helicopter is immediately decommissioned as the contract with the supplier has been terminated. In the short term, this means that the tasks that NH90 intended to support are now canceled.
The need is just as great
The Ministry of Defense will now start a concept selection study to find an alternative sea helicopter.
- Sea helicopters are something Norway must have and it is important that we start working quickly to fill the gap created by the NH90. We will look at a few different alternatives to meet your operational needs. We must be prepared for the fact that there is no easy solution, says the Minister of Defense.
Source: forsvaret
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