The NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) has awarded Thales a contract to develop new features and capabilities in the TopOwl Digital Display (DD) helmet system for NH90 helicopters. This is stated in a press release from Thales, published on 14 January 2026.
According to Thales, the contract follows an order of 31 NH90 helicopters by Spain's Ministry of Defence. Thales states that the work is being carried out in collaboration with NHIndustries (NHI) and Safran, in connection with France's defence materiel agency Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA) and Spain's Dirección General de Armamento y Material (DGAM).
Thales states that the TopOwl DD is an advancement of the TopOwl and that the system is designed to support pilots in low-visibility situations. According to the press release, the helmet integrates video feeds from mission cameras, including Safran's Eurofl’Eye, with augmented reality and warning functions.
– “By choosing the TopOwl DD, NAHEMA confirms the leading role of this helmet, recognized by helicopter crews for enhancing operational performance and safety,” says Florent Chauvancy, Vice President of Flight Avionics, Thales, in the press release.