TSAMTO, November 25. According to the German defense Ministry, the country's Navy will receive new helicopters to equip frigates – "sea tiger", which will be used mainly to fight surface ships and submarines of the enemy.
The budget Committee of the Bundestag approved the allocation of about 2.7 billion rubles for the purchase of 31 multi-purpose helicopters. euro. In addition to the delivery of sea tiger, the contract will include various accessories, spare parts and training materials.
According to plans, by the end of 2025, the sea tiger should replace the sea links Mk.88A helicopters that have been in service since the 1980s.
Like the sea lion ship transport helicopter, the sea tiger will be developed based on the NH-90 – NFH-90 ship variant developed by NHIndustries, a joint venture of Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Fokker Aerostructures. The new helicopters will be equipped for various tasks.
As stated, the helicopters in the German Navy frigates will perform a wide range of tasks. The new "sea tiger" in the future will be the only multi-purpose combat helicopters of the Bundeswehr. They will protect the frigates from enemy attacks at close range. Armed with torpedoes or guided missiles, the helicopters will be used for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare. In addition, "sea tiger" will be able to perform tasks for transporting cargo to ships, participate in search and rescue operations. The helicopters on Board significantly expand the capabilities of frigates.
The Bundeswehr expects that the development of sea lion and sea tiger on a single platform will provide advantages in terms of training and maintenance, as well as through the unification of equipment and spare parts used. The multi-purpose sea tiger is primarily designed and equipped for combat missions, while the sea lion is designed for search and rescue operations, as well as the transportation of troops and cargo.