The Italian Army is one of the most experienced and largest operators of the NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH), with 60 aircraft in its fleet. The platform’s role has evolved significantly since it entered service with Italian Army Aviation in 2008 and it continues to perform in the most demanding environments.
Lieutenant Colonel Emanuele Pappolla, Operation and Planning Office Chief for Italian Army Aviation, reflects on the contribution of the NH90 TTH.
The Italian Army’s NH90 TTH fleet (designated the UH-90A by NATO) has played a critical role in a wide range of operations in recent years, performing missions including tactical troop transport, logistics support, Special Forces operations, cargo resupply and MEDEVAC. The fleet has also been involved in numerous emergency response and disaster relief operations in Italy and internationally, demonstrating the NH90’s versatility in different operational scenarios.
Lt Col Emanuele Pappolla, Operation and Planning Office Chief for Italian Army Aviation, is an NH90 instructor pilot and has flown the aircraft since 2008. He says the NH90 TTH has proven its value in different theatres since its introduction to service: “Italian Army Aviation has deployed the NH90 in operation from 2012 until 2026. We operated in Iraq and Afghanistan and in the beginning the role of the helicopter was combat service support and MEDEVAC.
“But since the very beginning, the Land Forces asked for different types of mission. Thanks to the manoeuvrability and stability of the platform, and the great performance of the helicopter, its role turned from simple combat service support and MEDEVAC into combat support and a Special Forces-oriented role.”
Operating from three main Italian Army Aviation bases, the NH90 TTH fleet has significantly enhanced operational effectiveness, according to Lt Col Pappolla: “We can consider the NH90 a game-changer in the new fleet that Italian Army Aviation acquired, because compared to the old utility helicopter, it really enhanced a lot the effectiveness of operations.”
He adds: “Its endurance and performance, combined with the skill levels acquired by the crews and the equipment on board, really gave to our units the possibility to perform missions in a very effective and safe way.”
To learn more insights about the Italian Army Aviation’s experience operating the NH90 TTH, watch the full video interview with Lt Col Pappolla.
