Swedish Armed Forces recommends replacing its NH90 helicopters and buying more UH-60Ms
This announcement is part of a number of wider planned capability enhancements for the Swedish military
The Swedish Armed Forces (SwAF) is looking to replace its NHIndustries (NHI) NH90 maritime helicopters, while expanding its fleet with land-roled UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.
The SwAF operates 18 NH90 helicopters that were acquired across a range of interim HKP 14A-E configurations. The ultimate objective was to field nine HKP 14E troop transport/assault/search and rescue (SAR) and HKP 14F anti-submarine/anti-surface warfare/SAR standard aircraft.
In July this year at an event before the Farnborough Airshow, SwAF Commander Major General Carl-Johan Edström said that the NH90 was not performing as required and a review later in the year would determine its future.
Further acquisitions will boost military capabilities
General Micael Bydén, Supreme Commander of the SwAF, made this announcement on 1 November as a part of a wider plan to enhance the force’s capabilities. These suggestions will be presented to the Swedish government for consideration.
“Air defence is proposed to be strengthened, among other things, through the acquisition of a new sea-operational helicopter, and an additional ground-operational helicopter 16,” General Bydén said, referring to the UH-60M's national designation of HKP 16.
Sweden is not the only country to stop using the NH90 helicopters, neighbouring country Norway terminated its supply contract earlier this year.