https://www.flightglobal.com/defence...157068.article
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) could be close to issuing its long-delayed invitation to negotiate (ITN) to contenders for the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) requirement, Minister for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge indicates.
It will be published very soon, Cartlidge told the House of Commons Defence Committee on 21 February 2024.
Pressed further, he adds: I am hoping before the end of this month.
The MoD in 2022 shortlisted a trio of potential bidders in support of a process primarily intended to replace Puma HC2 transport helicopters operated by the Royal Air Force,
and at that time was expected to issue the ITN later the same year.
Repeated slips to this schedule have frustrated rivals Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters and Sikorsky parent Lockheed Martin,
and seen the Puma fleet edge closer to a planned out of service date in 2025.
Also speaking to the committee,
Chief of Defence Staff (Finance and Military Capability) Lieutenant General Rob Magowan
declined to provide an expected target date for an NMH platform to achieve initial operational capability (IOC),
noting that these factors would be informed by responses to the ITN document.