Defense & Military
Greece Signs €50M Support Contract for NH90 Helicopter Fleet
The Greek Ministry of Defence signs a five-year €50 million Follow-on Support contract with NHIndustries to maintain NH90 helicopter operational readiness.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional background data regarding the agreement.
Greece Signs Critical Follow-On Support Contract for NH90 Helicopters Fleet
On December 12, 2025, the Greek Ministry of Defence officially signed a Follow-on Support (FOS) contract with NHIndustries (NHI), a consortium comprising Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and Fokker. The agreement aims to revitalize the operational readiness of the Hellenic Army’s fleet of 20 NH90 helicopters.
According to the official announcement, this contract marks a decisive step in ensuring the sustainability of Greece’s tactical transport capabilities. While the official press release focused on the partnership’s renewal, industry reports indicate the deal is valued at approximately €50 million ($52.5 million) and will span a five-year period from 2025 to 2030.
Contract Scope and Objectives
The primary objective of the new agreement is to establish a robust support ecosystem for the Hellenic Army Aviation. For years, the fleet has faced logistical hurdles, and this contract is designed to accelerate the supply of spare parts and maintenance services. The deal covers the entirety of the Greek fleet, which includes 16 Tactical Transport Helicopters (TTH) and four Special Operations (SOF) variants.
In a statement regarding the signing, NHIndustries leadership emphasized the necessity of this support structure to maintain fleet availability.
“This contract is a key milestone for the success of the NH90 in Greece. It provides the necessary foundation to ensure the fleet remains operational and ready for mission deployment.”
, Axel Aloccio, President of NHIndustries
The agreement comes just two months after the delivery of the 20th and final NH90 unit to Greece in October 2025, concluding a procurement timeline that began more than two decades ago.
Operational Context and Fleet History
The path to this support contract has been complex. Greece initially ordered the helicopters in August 2003, with the first delivery occurring in 2011. However, the program faced significant delays and availability issues over the years.
Addressing the “Cannibalization” Crisis
According to defense sector reporting surrounding the contract, the Hellenic Army has struggled with severe shortages of spare parts. Prior to this agreement, reports suggested that nearly half of the delivered fleet, approximately 9 out of 19 units at the time, had been grounded or “cannibalized” (stripped of parts) to keep other aircraft airworthy. The new FOS contract is explicitly aimed at reversing this trend, allowing the Ministry of Defence to restore grounded airframes to service.
Special Operations Capabilities
The fleet includes four specialized SOF units tailored for the Hellenic Army’s special forces. Unlike the standard transport variants, these helicopters are equipped with specific mission avionics, including:
- Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) cameras for night operations.
- Weather radar and advanced obstacle warning systems.
- Configurations for deep infiltration and extraction missions.
AirPro News Analysis
Strategic Commitment Amidst Global Divergence
This agreement signals a strong strategic commitment from Athens to the NH90 platform, distinguishing Greece from other NATO operators. In recent years, nations such as Australia and Norway have moved to retire or cancel their NH90 fleets due to maintenance costs and availability concerns. By signing a €50 million support deal, Greece is effectively “doubling down” on the platform rather than abandoning it.
We assess that this decision is driven by two factors: the high “sunk cost” of the recently completed delivery schedule and the urgent operational requirements of the Hellenic Army. With tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean necessitating rapid troop mobility to island territories, Greece cannot afford the capability gap that would result from switching platforms now.
The support contract also aligns with Greece’s broader €25 billion defense modernization plan, known as “Achilles Shield,” which seeks to integrate air mobility with new naval and air defense assets by 2036.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus