The UK Ministry of Defence is planning to award the prime contract for its New Medium Helicopter program in 2025.
The 1-billion-pound ($1.2-billion) initiative will support London’s objective of creating a medium-lift support airframe that could replace all roles of the military’s legacy rotary-wing fleets, including the Dauphin, Griffin, Puma, and Twin Huey helicopters.
The update was confirmed by British Defence Defence Procurement and Industry Minister Maria Eagle during a House of Commons session.
“The new medium helicopter competition is at the evaluation and approval stage,” Eagle said. “If everything goes well, I anticipate a contract award later this year, subject to all the usual approvals.”
During the meeting, Parliament Member for West Dorset Edward Morello inquired about the program’s timetable and future contribution to the local industry and workforce, particularly in West Dorset and Yeovil, where the effort’s sole bidder Leonardo operates.
Eagle responded with assurance, saying: “Some of these programmes can take a long time to get to contract. In fact, this programme experienced delays in securing outline business case approval under the previous government.”
“I hope that we can get it to the end of the line as swiftly as possible, in accordance with the current process, and that some of his constituents will benefit from having work to do on the new programme.”
The New Medium Helicopter Program
The British Armed Forces’ incoming New Medium Helicopter is expected to operate across all the same domains as its predecessor.
Alongside transport capabilities, the aircraft will have functions to support tactical combat and humanitarian deployments once inducted.
London noted during the program’s proposal phase that the effort aims to develop up to 44 helicopters, corresponding ground-based cockpit flight simulators, and a cabin trainer.
With Italian firm Leonardo being the framework’s sole bidder and potential contractor, the British military is projected to receive an airframe based on the company’s pitch, the AW149.
This platform measures 18 meters (59 feet) long and can carry up to 19 warfighters.
For firepower, the aircraft can be fitted with multiple rocket launching pods and laser-guided missiles.