Norway and NHIndustries, a defence consortium led by Airbus and comprising Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Fokker, have reached a settlement over a cancelled order for NH90 military helicopters. Under the agreement, the Norwegian government will receive €305 million ($351 million) from NHIndustries, bringing an end to the dispute and all related legal proceedings.
The original contract dates back to 2001, when Norway ordered 14 NH90 helicopters to equip its navy frigates and coast guard, with delivery expected by the end of 2008. The programme, however, suffered chronic delays; by 2022 only eight aircraft had been delivered. Consequently, the Norwegian government cancelled the contract and sought reimbursement and damages amounting to nearly €2.9 billion. The recent settlement marks a significant development in this long‑standing dispute, and the Norwegian defence ministry has confirmed that all legal actions are now closed.
While the settlement resolves the NH90 issue, Norway has already moved to replace the aircraft it had originally ordered. In 2023 the country placed an order for six Seahawk helicopters from US manufacturer Sikorsky, underscoring its commitment to modernising its military capabilities and meeting defence needs. The NH90 programme has been controversial and delayed in several countries, including Norway, and this agreement is seen as a milestone in addressing those challenges. As Norway continues to develop its armed forces, the settlement is expected to have a positive impact on the nation’s defence sector.
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