Norway and Europe Settle Helicopter Dispute

In a significant agreement, Norway and a consortium of European aerospace manufacturers resolved mutual claims regarding the cancellation of the NH90 submarine-hunting helicopters order. The settlement avoids a potentially contentious defense industry lawsuit, as confirmed by both parties.

Airbus, Leonardo, and GKN Fokker, the owners of NHIndustries, agreed to pay Norway 305 million euros on top of an earlier payment of 70 million euros. This settlement covers much less than the 2.86 billion euros initially sought by Norway, which was to finance replacement helicopters from the U.S.

Scheduled to start five months of public hearings, the trial was deemed sensitive amid Europe's rearmament against submarine threats. However, the deal closed a complex procurement issue dating back to 2001, when Norway ordered NH90s to provide a unified naval force. The decision ends extended delays and maintenance challenges faced by the project.