German Navy Takes over First NH90 Sea Tiger

Why It Matters

The Sea Tiger modernises Germany’s naval aviation, bolstering NATO’s maritime defence against submarine threats and enhancing Europe’s indigenous defence‑industrial base.

Key Takeaways

• First NH90 Sea Tiger delivered to German Navy
• 31 Sea Tigers slated for delivery by 2030
• Replaces aging Mk88A Sea Lynx fleet
• Equipped with dipping sonar, ESM, electro‑optical system
• Enhances NATO anti‑submarine and surface warfare capacity

Pulse Analysis

Germany’s receipt of the first NH90 Sea Tiger underscores a broader shift toward next‑generation maritime helicopters in Europe. The Sea Tiger, the latest evolution of the NH90 NFH, arrives as the German Navy phases out the Mk88A Sea Lynx, a platform that has served since the early 1980s. By integrating a state‑of‑the‑art electro‑optical system, advanced electronic support measures, and a dipping sonar, the new helicopter delivers a decisive edge in both anti‑submarine and anti‑surface missions, aligning with NATO’s emphasis on littoral security in the Baltic and Atlantic theatres.

Technically, the Sea Tiger’s payload flexibility allows it to carry torpedoes, anti‑ship missiles, and sonobuoys, while its upgraded avionics improve target detection and data sharing across fleet networks. These capabilities translate into faster reaction times and higher mission success rates for maritime strike and reconnaissance operations. The platform’s proven reliability—reflected in over 90,000 flight hours across 135 deliveries to six nations—offers the German Navy a low‑risk, high‑availability asset for both combat and humanitarian missions, reinforcing Germany’s role as a key NATO maritime contributor.

From an industry perspective, the 31‑unit order cements NHIndustries’ position as Europe’s leading rotorcraft consortium, showcasing the collaborative strength of Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and GKN Fokker. The program supports a robust supply chain and sustains high‑skill jobs across the continent, while the shared NATO standardisation of the NH90 fleet enhances interoperability among allied navies. As Europe seeks to reduce reliance on non‑European platforms, the Sea Tiger programme exemplifies a successful home‑grown solution that balances cutting‑edge technology with strategic autonomy.

German Navy takes over first NH90 Sea Tiger

Nordholz, Germany, 16 December 2025

Airbus Helicopters, through the joint venture NHIndustries, has handed over the first NH90 Sea Tiger to the German Navy during a delivery ceremony at the Navy’s base in Nordholz. A total of 31 helicopters are set to be delivered by 2030. The NH90 Sea Tiger will be used for anti‑surface and anti‑submarine warfare missions.

“We are extremely proud to deliver the first NH90 Sea Tiger today to the German Navy, on cost, on time and on quality,” said Stefan Thomé, Managing Director of Airbus Helicopters in Germany. “The Sea Tiger will provide the Navy with a powerful tool to defend Germany’s, Europe’s and NATO’s borders in the Baltic Sea and in the Atlantic – offering outstanding anti‑surface and anti‑submarine warfare capabilities.”

The helicopters will gradually replace the German Navy’s ageing Mk88A Sea Lynx fleet, which entered service in 1981. The German Navy already operates 18 NH90 Sea Lion naval transport helicopters, which were delivered on schedule between 2019 and 2023. They are continuously deployed on maritime search‑and‑rescue missions and onboard 702‑class replenishment ships.

The NH90 Sea Tiger represents the latest evolution of the NH90 NFH, offering world‑leading capabilities for Anti‑Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Anti‑Surface Warfare (ASuW) missions. It has been specifically designed to match the needs of the German Navy for a state‑of‑the‑art anti‑submarine warfare helicopter. Novelties include a new electro‑optical system and improved electronic support measures (ESM). In addition, the Sea Tiger is equipped with a dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and weapons (torpedoes and missiles). The ship‑borne Sea Tiger missions include, besides reconnaissance and transport, engaging targets above and below the surface. Those systems have been tested and qualified during different test campaigns in the Mediterranean Sea and North Sea.

To date, 135 naval NH90 helicopters have already been delivered to six nations and have completed over 90 000 flight hours in search‑and‑rescue, humanitarian, and military operations. More than 530 NH90 helicopters are in service worldwide, having accumulated close to 500 000 flight hours.

NHIndustries is the largest rotorcraft joint venture and is responsible for the design, manufacturing, and support of the NH90 helicopter, one of the leaders in the latest generation of military helicopters. The company combines expertise from the European rotorcraft and defence industry, being owned by Airbus Helicopters (62.5 %), Leonardo (32 %) and GKN Fokker (5.5 %). Each partner brings a long aerospace pedigree and top‑level skills to the end product.