UK NMH programme will not see helicopters delivered to British Armed Forces until 2027
The NMH project was aimed at procuring a single aircraft type fulfilling up to five rotary-wing requirements. (Photo: UK MoD/Crown Copyright)
Airbus, Leonardo and Lockheed Martin have progressed through to the Invitation to Negotiate phase of the New Medium Helicopter competition, but the initial goal of introducing new helicopters by 2025 remained unattainable.
The UK's New Medium Helicopter (NMH) competition will be unlikely to witness rotorcraft delivered to the British services until at least 2027, despite the competitors’ proven capabilities and ongoing manufacturing enhancements.
After several months of delay, the second stage of the NMH programme was announced earlier this week by UK minister for defence procurement James Cartlidge. Airbus, Leonardo and Lockheed Martin UK have now been invited to take part in the Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) phase with proposals evaluated through 2025 when, subject to Government approvals, a contract award was anticipated.
The initially announced schedule for introducing the new rotorcraft
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![USAF conducts first F-16 Block 70 flight of L3Harris’ Viper Shield]()
USAF conducts first F-16 Block 70 flight of L3Harris’ Viper Shield
The Viper Shield electronic warfare suite was tested by the US Air Force’s 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, with L3Harris aiming for deliveries of the system to international customers by late 2025.
-
![Airbus to further work on France’s A321XLR maritime patrol aircraft programme]()
Airbus to further work on France’s A321XLR maritime patrol aircraft programme
The two-year contract on the A321 militarised maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) will look to risk-assess the programme ahead of its development phase in 2026.
-
![Lockheed sees 5% 2024 sales growth as CEO says DOGE is an “opportunity” for growth]()
Lockheed sees 5% 2024 sales growth as CEO says DOGE is an “opportunity” for growth
Lockeed Martin’s aeronautics sector saw $20 billion in orders, driven by its Lot 18 F-35 and US fiscal year F-35 sustainment contract wins.
-
![Lockheed delivers first F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria]()
Lockheed delivers first F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria
The delivery of this F-16 Block 70 aircraft marks a first step in the Bulgarian air force’s modernisation efforts and the replacement of its MiG-29 aircraft.
-
![UAE accepts first batch of F4 Rafale fighter jets]()
UAE accepts first batch of F4 Rafale fighter jets
The aircraft were accepted during a ceremony on the 29 January and will stay at Dassault’s Flight Test Centre, with deliveries scheduled for the end of 2026.
-
![Turkey’s Baykar strengthens European links with Leonardo and Piaggio Aerospace deals]()
Turkey’s Baykar strengthens European links with Leonardo and Piaggio Aerospace deals
Recent collaborations with Italian aerospace and defence firms have bolstered Baykar’s links throughout Europe and strengthened its credibility as an important player on the continental stage.
