Britain has opened up bids for its New Medium Helicopter program as the nation’s modernization program moves into a major new phase, the Defence Ministry announced Tuesday. The U.K. expects to award a contract in 2025 to build the new helicopters, the ministry said. The deal could be worth nearly £1.2 billion (U.S. $1.5 billion) according to a March 2022 government document about major defense projects.
The New Medium Helicopter will provide essential support to military operations, according to Defence Procurement Minister James Cartlidge. The program is expected to deliver up to 44 medium-lift support helicopters capable of operating in all environments and performing multiple tasks, streamlining the U.K.’s vertical lift capabilities.
Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters, and Lockheed Martin are expected to submit bids for the program. The potential to export these helicopters to other countries will be an important element considered during the evaluation, along with design, production, and manufacturing processes.
The winner of the contract will replace the Army’s Puma helicopters, as well as the aging Bell 412, Bell 212, and Airbus Dauphin helicopters. Lockheed and its subsidiary Sikorsky plan to submit the Black Hawk helicopter, while Airbus has teamed up with Boeing to pitch the H175M. Italian firm Leonardo is eyeing its AW149 helicopter for its bid.
