The next addition to AW149's capabilities will be the integration of GPS SBAS. (Photo: Leonardo Helicopters UK)
With the UK’s New Military Helicopter (NMH) Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) expected in the coming weeks, many pundits are asking if the aircraft can meet the stated in-service date (ISD) of 2025.
Three companies have declared an interest in the NMH programme so far: Airbus Helicopters with its H175, Sikorsky with the S-70M and Leonardo Helicopters offering its AW149.
The race is now on for bidders to win the hearts and minds of the military user community, procurement officials and politicians before the winner is selected.
One problem is in communicating these messages to the desired audience. Bidders have been slightly
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Participation in the French-led programme could provide India with access to sixth-generation technologies but force difficult choices over AMCA, TEDBF and indigenous propulsion development.
The Pentagon wants to procure 3,203 PAC-3 MSE interceptors in FY2027, but production constraints and international demand could impact efforts to rebuild depleted missile stocks.
The US plans to progressively expand VENOM/AIR testing from single-aircraft flights to multi-platform autonomous operations over the next 12–24 months, generating data that could support future US military AI programmes, including Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
The missile programmes form part of a broader effort to strengthen Canadian air-combat readiness as the RCAF transitions from the CF-188 to the F-35A and rebuilds its operational weapons stocks.
While a potentially accelerated acquisition timeline could strengthen the RAAF’s long-range air combat capability, Canberra’s continued reliance on US missile production is also put under the spotlight in parallel to its push to build a sovereign industry.
Demand signals for counter-drone technology are strong and the market is becoming crowded, but is this really the beginning of a new phase of warfare or will commentators be talking about something else 10 years from now?
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