RNZAF NH90 Becomes First Globally to Pass 3,000 Flight Hours

A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) NH90 helicopter reached 3,000 flight hours on August 26, 2026. According to Airbus, this is the first NH90 helicopter anywhere in the world to pass the 3,000 flight hour milestone.

In historical program developments, Airbus Helicopters handed over the first NH90 Standard 2 helicopter to the French Armament General Directorate (DGA) at Marignane on July 30, 2026. The DGA transferred the helicopter to French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) on the same day.

France has ordered a total of 18 NH90 Standard 2 helicopters scheduled for delivery by mid-2029 for special forces operations. Additionally, Spain joined the program in December 2025 by ordering 31 NH90 helicopters in a similar configuration.