UK's New Medium Helicopter programme faces further uncertainty due to potential Airbus H145 procurement
The MoD has been attempting to secure cross-government approval for commencement of the next stage of NMH procurement. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
The UK MoD’s decision to potentially purchase six H145 helicopters for specific operational requirements in Brunei and Cyprus has sparked uncertainty about the much anticipated New Medium Helicopter programme.
The UK’s New Medium Helicopter (NMH) aspirations have confronted another layer of uncertainty after the UK MoD announced the potential procurement of six Airbus H145 medium-sized helicopters, sparking doubts about the planned replacement strategy for the Puma fleet.
Despite assurances from the MoD reaffirming its commitment to the competition, discrepancies in projected numbers and undefined acquisition targets pose challenges, potentially impacting the timeline for introducing new rotorcraft by 2025.
On 13 November, the UK government published a transparency notice, saying that six Airbus Helicopters H145s (known as Jupiter HC2 in UK service) is to be acquired for an estimated £140
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line]()
Portugal signals interest in establishing A-29N final assembly line
As the launch customer for the NATO-configured variant, Portugal also took delivery of the first five A-29N aircraft from its order for 12, placed in 2024.
-
![Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order]()
Leonardo signs contract on Austria’s M-346 aircraft order
The first of the 12 M-346 aircraft are expected to be delivered to the Austrian Air Force by 2028, according to the company.
-
![2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending]()
2025 UAV market review: $7.8 billion in new contracts signed as US leads spending
Qatar and Indonesia followed the US’s high spending on new uncrewed aerial vehicle contracts across 2025, while MALE and micro drones and loitering munitions were particularly popular subcategories this year.
