- Bids open for New Medium Helicopter contract, as it moves to
the Invitation to Negotiate phase
- The new helicopter model will support Defence operations
around the globe
- The New Medium Helicopter will deliver up to five rotary wing
requirements
The next stage of the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) Programme has
been announced by the Minister for Defence Procurement, , today.
The NMH Programme is an initiative to acquire a modern
medium-lift support helicopter, which will deliver up to five
rotary wing requirements using a single aircraft-type. This means
that the platform will be able to undertake Defence tasks that
were previously undertaken by up to five different aircraft
types, streamlining our capabilities. This will improve
efficiency and operational flexibility, positively impacting
ongoing and future UK operational capability.
Once in service, it will provide the Armed Forces with a new
medium lift aircraft capable of operating in all environments in
support of a broad spectrum of Defence tasks, from warfighting to
humanitarian efforts and operations around the world.
It was announced at the International Military Helicopter
conference in London today that the Invitation to Negotiate has
been released, meaning the three NMH candidate suppliers - Airbus
Helicopters UK, Leonardo Helicopters UK and Lockheed Martin UK -
will now compile their bids to be evaluated by the Ministry of
Defence to determine the winning bidder.
The competition will be managed by Defence Equipment and Support
(DE&S) and proposals will be evaluated through 2025 when,
subject to Government approvals, a contract award is anticipated.
Minister for Defence Procurement, said:
The New Medium Helicopter will provide essential support to our
military operations, and we’re pleased to have reached this next
important stage of the programme.
The programme’s competition includes essential criteria that are
key to securing vital rotary wing Operational Independence,
allowing us to respond swiftly to emerging threats in a highly
contested world.
The NMH competition will include essential industrial
considerations, spanning design, production, manufacture and
importantly, export potential. This means that the New
Medium Helicopter contract will secure the vital operational
independence we require, as well as investing in UK skills for
the long-term and demonstrates the UK Government’s commitment to
the Defence & Security Industrial Strategy.
