Norway is preparing its first NH90 NFH maritime helicopter for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. The country received delivery of the first aircraft in August last year.

Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNAF) has experience in operating Westland Lynx from its navy’s frigate fleet. They do not, however, have ASW capacity.

RNAF lacked experience in ASW operations, especially in use of a dipping sonar. The air force has had to turn to Australia-headquartered Nova Systems to help it deliver the new capability, including the development of tactics, training and processes. Nova began working on the €15 million worth contract last month and is providing a team of operators, engineers and software specialists.

Nova is providing on-site support to the air force at a purpose-built helicopter operating facility at Haakonsvern naval base in Bergen, and its team will also deploy aboard Norway’s Fridtjof Nansen-class frigates to deliver direct support for operational development activities.

Norway already has a fleet of eight NH90s which it uses for maritime search and rescue and territorial water enforcement missions.

Nova has previously helped Norway with the introduction of AW101s for long-range search and rescue missions.