Oslo, 2 October 2025 — Norway has launched legal action against NHIndustries (NHI), seeking €2.8 billion in damages over the long-troubled NH90 helicopter program. The claim, filed after failed mediation efforts, represents one of the largest compensation demands ever made against a European defence manufacturer — and is six times the value of the original contract.
Norway ordered 14 NH90 helicopters in 2001 through the NATO Helicopter Management Agency at a cost of around €500 million, intending to use them for anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, and coast guard missions. However, the program was plagued by delays, technical shortcomings, and poor availability. A 2018 report by Norway’s Chief of Defence warned that the aircraft could only meet operational requirements under “ideal” conditions of spare parts and maintenance — conditions that were never achieved.
By 2022, Oslo took the unprecedented step of grounding and returning its NH90 fleet, declaring the helicopters unfit for service. Then-Defence Minister Bjørn Arild Gram said at the time: “No matter how many hours our technicians work, or how many parts we order, it will never be possible to make the NH90s compatible with the requirements of our armed forces.”
Norway has since signed a replacement deal with Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin subsidiary, for HH-60W helicopters. The current lawsuit seeks reimbursement of all payments made to NHI, the cost of the Sikorsky order, and additional expenses incurred in keeping the NH90s operational.
NHIndustries — a consortium of Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and Fokker — has expressed disappointment, arguing it was not given the opportunity to implement its latest proposals to improve availability.
The case is scheduled to be heard by the Oslo District Court on 10 November 2025, with defence analysts noting its outcome could set a precedent for future disputes between governments and defence contractors over underperforming equipment.
NHIndustries NH90 NFH helicopter U.S. Navy photo by David Flewellyn
