Article Posted on : - Jan 25, 2010

The NH90 helicopter. An NH Industries Photo

SYDNEY (BNS): Europe-made multi-role military helicopter NH90 has arrived in Australia to exhibit its defence capabilities.

The Royal Australian Navy plans to replace its ageing fleet of Seahawks helicopters by inducting the NH90 (NATO Frigate Helicopter).

The chopper arrived at the Nowra Navy Base in Brisbane last week to demonstrate its array of weapons and other mission prowess, NH Industries, which produces the helicopter, said.

The NH90 is a medium sized, twin-engine, multi-role military helicopter capable of carrying out search and rescue, support, utility, anti piracy, anti-ship and anti-submarine missions. It has been designed to operate from a ship or a land base.

Australia has placed an order to acquire a total of 46 such choppers for both its Army and Navy. The helicopters will be inducted in the country�s defence forces as Multi Role Helicopter (MRH90).