UK launches New Medium Helicopter effort with Market Interest Day

The UK has said that it is seeking to replace the Puma HC2 (pictured) and three of types with between 36 and 44 new medium helicopters. An industry day to gauge interest will be held on 25 November. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

The United Kingdom has launched its New Medium Helicopter (NMH) effort, with the announcement on 11 November that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is to hold a Market Interest Day later in the month.

The MoD said that a day to gauge industry interest in its requirement to replace the Westland-Aerospatiale SA 330E Puma HC2 and three other rotorcraft types will be held on 25 November, after which a formal request for information will be issued.

“The MoD is considering the procurement of a New Medium Helicopter to replace existing rotorcraft systems for [the British] Army and Strategic Commands,” the ministry said in its notification. “The purpose of this prior information notice is to invite potential and interested suppliers to a Market Interest Day, planned for Thursday 25 November, and subsequent market engagement to further inform the NMH requirement and procurement strategy.”

Along with announcing the industry engagement day, the MoD revealed some details on the scope of the NMH project. According to the notification, the requirement will cover between 36 and 44 aircraft, as well as two cockpit and one cabin simulator; will be valued at GBP1 billion (USD1.34 billion) over five years; and will run from 2 October 2023 to 2 October 2028. The requirement will also include contractor-based aircrew and maintainer training and support.

For the NMH requirement, the MoD is looking to replace the Royal Air Force Puma HC2, as well as the Army Air Corps Bell 212 and Bell 412, and the Special Air Service Airbus Dauphin.