UK reports ‘positive progress’ on NMH

Through the NMH programme, the UK is looking to replace its ageing Puma HC2 helicopters with up to 44 new rotorcraft. (Janes/Patrick Allen)

The UK government has said “positive progress” is being made on the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme to replace the Airbus SA 330E Puma HC2 in military service.

Answering questions in the House of Commons, Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) James Cartlidge said on 13 February that the effort to replace the Puma HC2s with up to 44 new rotorcraft should enter into its second half shortly, ahead of a type selection and contract award.

“Positive progress is being made towards launching the next stage of the competition, and we are currently in the process of securing final cross-government approval,” Cartlidge said.

The NMH requirement is valued at approximatelyGBP1–1.2 billion (USD1.26–1.51 billion),