In focus: UK New Medium Helicopter programme down to one bidder
The Airbus H175, formerly a contender to become the UK’s New Medium Helicopter. (Photo: Airbus/Lloyd Horgan)
The UK’s Ministry of Defence has been left with only one option for its New Medium Helicopter programme, after defence giants Airbus and Sikorsky pulled out of contention just before the deadline for the submission of bids.
Leonardo remains as last contractor standing in the race to deliver the New Medium Helicopter, the UK’s new go-to for the majority of its defence helicopter action.
Leonardo had put its AW149 design up against Sikorsky’s Black Hawk and Airbus’ H175M.
While the AW149 has been used with some success in countries such as Poland and Egypt, the pulling out of the
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
UK eyes lightweight satellite communications for UAVs
The UK is seeking to extend the operational reach of uncrewed aerial vehicles, reflecting growing demand for compact, energy-efficient technology to support beyond-line-of-sight operations.
-
Loyal wingman programmes gather pace as US and European procurement plans take shape
Northrop Grumman, Airbus and Anduril are positioning their uncrewed aerial vehicles for future collaborative combat aircraft contracts in a market that is forecast to exceed $36 billion.
-
India’s military integration drive faces interoperability hurdles
Senior military leaders have highlighted the need for interoperable systems, common data standards and closer cooperation between India's armed services.
-
UK A400M Saudi deployment highlights airlifter’s role as Airbus pursues upgrades
Airbus is developing new capabilities for its A400M transport aircraft as European countries consider future airlift requirements and the UK plans to deploy the aircraft to Saudi Arabia.
-
The new generation of defence companies emerging from the US UAV boom
As the Pentagon accelerates procurement of low-cost, lethal UAVs through its Drone Dominance Program, emerging suppliers will need to demonstrate manufacturing capacity, supply chain resilience and reliability.