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
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
-
![Optimism remains for GCAP and FCAS future despite programme stumbling blocks]()
Optimism remains for GCAP and FCAS future despite programme stumbling blocks
Both sixth-generation combat aircraft programmes are still awaiting major key decisions from respective governments with regards to funding or future direction, but industry and governmental officials remain optimistic of progress going forward.
-
![SOF Week 2026: US Army to conduct trials with Mountain Horse’s containerised drone launcher]()
SOF Week 2026: US Army to conduct trials with Mountain Horse’s containerised drone launcher
The Mountain Horse Containerised Autonomous Drone Delivery System has been engineered for dispersed, forward UAV operations. It can store, protect, charge, launch and recover drones.
-
![SOF Week 2026: AFSOC unveils deployable Block II OA-1K Skyraider II]()
SOF Week 2026: AFSOC unveils deployable Block II OA-1K Skyraider II
AFSOC has revealed a new Block II variant of the OA-1K Skyraider II featuring rapid deployment and reassembly capabilities designed to support expeditionary special operations missions.
-
![British Army's Project Nyx progress reflects MoD investment in autonomous system]()
British Army's Project Nyx progress reflects MoD investment in autonomous system
The UK MoD said it would narrow down the competitors from four to two later in the year, with those selected going on to develop the prototype drone that will operate as loyal wingman to the British Army’s Apache AH-64E helicopters.
