First German NH-90 MRFH Sea Tiger in service by the German Navy
The German Armed Forces have ordered 31 of these multi-role frigate helicopters, which are scheduled to be delivered starting at the end of 2025. The helicopters are intended to be deployed onboard the F124 and F125 frigates, and later also on the F126 frigate, which is still under construction. The manufacturer plans to deliver six to seven aircraft to the armed forces each year.
It was specifically designed to meet the requirements of the German Navy. Tailored for anti-submarine warfare, Airbus delivers a highly modern and technically sophisticated helicopter. Among the innovations compared to the Sea Lion is the LEOSS-T, a modern electro-optical system. Improved electronic support measures (ESM) are also part of the development. In addition, the Sea Tiger will be equipped with dipping sonar, sonobuoys, and weapons such as MU90 torpedoes and rockets. Their tasks include reconnaissance, transportation, and engagement of targets above and below the water surface.
Regsitered to the German Bundeswehr as 79+70 and was officially handed over for operations by Marinefliegergeschwader 5 (MFG 5) on December 16, 2025.
Video 1 by BTB-concept, published December 16, 2025, shows Sea Tiger helicopter handed over to the German Armed Forces. On December 16, 2025, the first Sea Tiger naval helicopter was officially handed over at the German Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg) in Berlin. The Sea Tiger is set to replace the Mk88A Sea Lynx as the German Navy’s helicopter.
Based on the NH90 platform, the Sea Tiger will assume a key role in maritime situational awareness, with a primary mission focus on anti-submarine warfare and surface surveillance.
The video documents the helicopter’s arrival and the formal handover announcement to Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, delivered by Vice Admiral Axel Deertz and the Commander of the Naval Air Arm, Captain Broder Nielsen. This is followed by a press conference (conducted in German) with Minister Pistorius, concluding with an informal selfie marking the occasion.