By Bijan Razzaghi
Qatar has ordered a total of 28 NH-90 Helicopters from NH industries 12 are the NFH Maritime anti submarine warfare variant while 16 are the TTH Tactical Transport Variant. The deal, which is worth $3.7 billion, is the latest move in Qatar’s effort to improve its military capabilities. Currently Qatar uses the aging Westland Commando for both tactical transport and maritime roles, the NH-90s are likely to replace these aging models
The NH-90 offers speed and agility being able to fly at speeds as fast as 186 mph and carry 20 fully armed combat troops. The NH-90 can defend itself using 7.62mm door guns. NH-90s use a FLIR to assist in identifying ground threats and flying in adverse weather conditions. The naval variant NFH can deploy a variety of anti ship missile’s and torpedoes. It is if anti ship missiles will be part of the contract yet but it is likely a variant of the Marte Sea killer will acquired for use on the NH-90.
Qatar’s military has recently been making efforts to grow extensively ordering Leopard 2 tanks from Germany, 24 AH-64 Apaches from the United States and recently an assortment of modern fighter aircraft including the F-15, Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon.
