A Volga-Dnepr Airlines Antonov An-124-100 took off from Leipzig/Halle airport this morning with the first of four NH90s the Bundeswehr is deploying for the first time to Afghanistan on board.
Photo: German army/Katharina Winkler
The NH90 flew to Leipzig/Halle from its home base of Fassberg, its remaining fuel was pumped out and its rotors were removed before it was loaded into the Antonov.
Eurocopter photo
The three other NH90s will follow in the coming weeks.
Photo: German army/Katharina Winkler
In Afghanistan, one NH90 will conduct forward air medical evacuation (FAM), with another providing armed escort and the two remaining helicopters in reserve. The NH90s will be ready for their mission by the end of June.
Photo: German army/Sebastian Wilke