ILA 2026: Marineflieger stands up Sea Tiger capability, plans expansive role for Sea Lion

A German Navy Sea Lion helicopter was showcased at the ILA Berlin Airshow 2026. The service is planning an expanded role for the type alongside its Sea Tiger stablemate. (Janes/Gareth Jennings)

Having received the first of its 31 Sea Tiger Multi-Role Frigate Helicopter (MRFH) anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW) helicopters late last year, the aviation arm of the German Navy (Marineflieger) is now building up the capability ahead of its planned transition over to type from the Westland Mk 88A Sea Lynx at the end of this year.

Speaking 2026 under the Chatham House Rule ahead of the ILA Berlin Airshow running from 10 to 14 June 2026, an official outlined the work now being done by the Marineflieger to seamlessly integrate the latest NHIndustries (NHI) NH90 derivative into its force structure, and the lessons it has taken from having only recently done this with the NH90-derived Sea Lion Marine Transport Helicopter (MTH) search and rescue (SAR) and support platform.

“We are transitioning to new helicopters, using as a base model the NH90. Starting 2019, we introduced the Sea Lion and underwent the operational test and evaluation process before getting ready for its first task, taking over SAR in 2022. We performed the last watch with the Westland Sea King it replaced in 2024,” the official said at the IQPC International Military Helicopter 2026 conference in London in February. “In December 2025, we received the first Sea Tiger, replacing the Sea Lynx which is the prime air asset for protection of the surface task group or a ship.”