Netherlands receives first upgraded Cougar helicopter

The Netherlands received the first of 12 modernised Airbus AS532 Cougar helicopters back at Gilze-Rijen Air Base, the defence ministry announced on October 9, 2026. Airbus completed the upgrade at Marignane, adding a new cockpit and improved communications and navigation equipment to maintain military airworthiness and interoperability. A second upgraded aircraft is expected during 2026 and two more in 2027, with the programme covering the entire remaining Cougar fleet. The helicopters will continue troop transport, cargo and medical-evacuation duties as an interim capability until 14 H225M helicopters begin replacing them around 2030, primarily supporting Dutch special operations forces.