UK's New Medium Helicopter Programme Reaches Next Competition Stage

Defense News ,UK :-  The UK Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge, has unveiled the next stage of the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) Programme, an initiative aimed at acquiring a modern medium-lift support helicopter. This innovative approach involves consolidating up to five rotary wing requirements into a single aircraft type, streamlining capabilities and enhancing operational efficiency.

The NMH Programme is designed to provide the Armed Forces with a versatile medium lift aircraft capable of executing various Defence tasks across different environments, ranging from warfighting to humanitarian efforts globally.

During the International Military Helicopter conference in London, the Ministry of Defence released the Invitation to Negotiate, marking a crucial step in the competition. The three NMH candidate suppliers—Airbus Helicopters UK, Leonardo Helicopters UK, and Lockheed Martin UK—will now prepare their bids for evaluation by the Ministry of Defence, with the contract award anticipated in 2025, subject to Government approvals.

Minister James Cartlidge emphasized the NMH's significance in supporting military operations and expressed satisfaction with reaching this pivotal stage in the program. The competition prioritizes criteria essential for securing rotary wing Operational Independence, enabling swift responses to emerging threats in a highly contested world.

Furthermore, the NMH competition encompasses vital industrial considerations, including design, production, manufacture, and export potential. This approach ensures that the NMH contract not only addresses the immediate operational needs but also invests in long-term UK skills, aligning with the UK Government's commitment to the Defence & Security Industrial Strategy.