MILAN, Nov 26 (Reuters) - NHIndustries -- a joint venture between France's Airbus Helicopters, Italy's Leonardo and Britain's GKN Fokker -- has signed a contract for the procurement of 31 NH90 helicopters for the German armed forces.

The helicopter, dubbed Sea Tiger, will be used by the German navy from 2025, NHI said in a statement on Thursday.

Airbus Helicopters owns 62.5% of NHI, with Leonardo holding 32% and GKN Fokker 5.5%.

The contract was signed between NHI and a NATO agency for helicopter management, acting as the contracting authority for the German armed forces. (Reporting by Francesca Landini Editing by Alexandra Hudson)