Leonardo AW149 stands alone in the UK medium helicopter race

Leonardo's AW149 is currently the only contender for the UK's New Medium Helicopter (NMH) program, following the withdrawal of major competitors Airbus and Sikorsky from the bid.
Both Airbus and Sikorsky decided against submitting proposals for the NMH requirement, citing concerns over meeting the customer’s needs, achieving a fair long-term return, and maintaining a competitive chance of winning the contract, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

The NMH program, spearheaded by the UK Ministry of Defence, aims to modernize the nation’s rotary-wing fleet by replacing a range of aging helicopters, including the Puma HC2, Bell 212, Bell 412, and Dauphin models.
 
The initiative is designed to consolidate multiple roles—such as troop transport, search and rescue, and medical evacuations—into a single adaptable platform. The estimated cost of the program is several billion pounds, covering procurement, maintenance, and operational expenses over its lifecycle.

Leonardo’s proposal for the AW149 is highlighted by its commitment to local production and economic benefits. The company plans to manufacture the AW149 at its Yeovil facility in Somerset, which will serve as the primary production hub in the UK. 

This move is expected to safeguard approximately 700 jobs directly at the Yeovil site and create thousands more across the UK supply chain. The initiative also promises to enhance the British aerospace and defence sectors by utilizing UK-based suppliers and facilitating the transfer of advanced skills and technology to the local workforce.

The AW149 is positioned as a versatile and adaptable helicopter, designed to meet the varied requirements of the NMH program. It offers modern features such as advanced avionics, improved survivability, and multi-role capabilities, making it a fitting successor for the outdated models it aims to replace.

In addition to local production benefits, Leonardo's proposal emphasizes lifecycle cost efficiency and long-term maintenance advantages. By producing the AW149 in the UK, the country will maintain greater control over its defence infrastructure and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

 The Yeovil facility could also become a hub for exporting AW149 helicopters, potentially positioning the UK as a leader in the global helicopter market.

With Leonardo standing alone in the NMH race, the AW149's selection would mark a significant step in advancing the UK's military aviation capabilities and boosting the national economy through enhanced domestic manufacturing and technological development.