Aerospace

Norway ends NH90 helicopter contract over delays, errors; wants full refund

COPENHAGEN, Denmark –Norway announced plans to abandon its NH90 army helicopter fleet and seek a refund from a consortium led by Europe’s Airbus, which replied by calling the transfer “illegal.” According to the defence minister and army chief, Norway will return the NH90 army helicopters ordered from the NH Industries consortium because they are either faulty or were delivered late.

NATO member Norway has terminated a two-decade-old deal for 14 maritime helicopters with a French manufacturer, citing delays, faults, and time-consuming maintenance, the defence minister said Friday, calling the decision “a significant choice.”

According to Defense Minister Bjrn Arild Gram, the Norwegian government will return the NH90 helicopters it has received so far and demands a full reimbursement of the approximately 5 billion kroner ($525 million) it paid.

“Regardless of how many hours our specialists spend or how many parts we order, the NH90 will never be capable of meeting the needs of the Norwegian Armed Forces,” Defence Minister Bjoern Arild Gram told a press conference. The helicopter consortium stated that it was “very dissatisfied” with the selection.

“NHIndustries considers this termination to be legally void,” the company stated in a news release. It stated that it had not been given the opportunity to debate the most recent plan to increase the supply of the NH90 in Norway or to address specific Norwegian needs. Airbus shares dipped slightly more than 1%.

“Unfortunately, we have concluded that no matter how many hours our specialists spend or how many parts we order, the NH90 will never be capable of matching the standards of the Norwegian Armed Forces,” Arild Gram said.

The NH90 is a twin-engine helicopter designed to meet NATO’s specifications for a modern, medium-sized, multi-role military helicopter capable of both land and sea operations.

A detailed study of Norway’s marine helicopter capabilities, commissioned by the Defense Ministry in February, concluded that the performance and availability of the NH90 would not fulfil the country’s requirements even with large extra financial commitments.

Aerospace

Boeing’s Aurora Flight Sciences Expands Columbus Plant by 50,000 Sqft

Credit:Aurora Flight Sciences

Aurora Flight Sciences, a subsidiary of Boeing, has launched a significant expansion of its manufacturing facility near the Golden Triangle Regional Airport in Columbus, Mississippi.

This ambitious project will add 50,000 square feet of new space, renovate 40,000 square feet of the existing facility, and introduce advanced automation equipment, robotics, and non-destructive inspection technologies. mcas boeing enhancements will support the growing demand for Aurora’s aerospace systems business.

Since its establishment, Aurora Mississippi has specialized in the production of advanced composite components and assemblies for both military and commercial aircraft. The company first opened in 2005 at Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory in Starkville before relocating to its current site in Columbus two years later.

Initially occupying 21,000 square feet, the facility has since grown to encompass over 120,000 square feet, featuring cutting-edge manufacturing technologies such as automated fiber placement. Aurora’s latest expansion is a strategic investment aimed at increasing production capacity for composite components like boeing titanium used in executive jets and the MQ-25TM Stingray composite skins, a key project for its parent company, Boeing.

Additionally, the facility will produce components for NASA’s X-66 sustainable flight demonstrator aircraft, further diversifying its portfolio. Currently employing around 100 full-time staff in Mississippi, Aurora plans to hire more than 60 additional team members by the end of 2025.

Aurora’s expansion project underscores its commitment to Mississippi’s growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. The company maintains strong partnerships with Mississippi State University (MSU) and East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), contributing to research, higher education, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing.

Additionally, Aurora actively supports local K-12 STEM education through summer camps and collaborates with high school vocational education programs. The expansion and renovation project will be carried out in phases over the next two years, with completion expected by 2026. This development marks a significant milestone in Aurora’s ongoing growth and its role in advancing aerospace manufacturing in Mississippi.