NATO awards Airbus Helicopters NGRC contract for medium multi-role rotorcraft, partnering with leading aerospace companies.
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded a contract to Airbus Helicopters. This contract is for leading a concept study within the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) project. Under this project, participants will collaborate on the design, development, and delivery of a medium multi-role helicopter. Airbus is partnering with RTX’s Collins Aerospace, Raytheon businesses, and MBDA for this 13-month study. The study will analyze two integrated concepts for next-generation military rotorcraft.
Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, said, “Taking part in this NATO study for the next generation of military rotorcraft offers a unique opportunity to leverage our experience working with the different European armed forces. Our goal, together with our highly skilled partners, is to develop a European solution, a concept that would fulfill both the needs of the NATO armed forces while also guaranteeing industrial sovereignty for our European nations and maintaining key engineering competencies, This project will be fully interoperable with other NATO means. With our experience in both civil and military helicopter design, we are convinced that we have the right cost effective, high performance, and operationally efficient solutions at Airbus Helicopters for the next generation of military rotorcraft.”
France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, and Italy are involved in the project through various partner companies. Each partner will contribute expertise in specific areas, such as helicopter design, systems integration, connectivity, weapons and effectors, avionics, and sensors. The study will focus on high-performance rotorcraft concepts. These concepts will be modular, multi-mission, and fully interoperable with NATO standards. Additionally, they will feature a high degree of connectivity and a resilient communication system.
NSPA General Manager, Ms Stacy A. Cummings, said, “The launch of Concept Study #5 is a significant milestone for the NGRC concept stage activities, and demonstrates NSPA’s dedication to meet the challenge of next generation medium lift for participating nations. The strategy to launch 3 parallel contracts awarded by competition delivers on our commitment to maximise industry expertise, opportunity and engagement in the programme, and will provide a broad range of potential concepts in the study results for our multinational customers.”
More than 140 armed forces worldwide rely on Airbus helicopters, establishing Airbus as a leading supplier of advanced military rotorcraft. The company offers a broad range of helicopters, including dual platforms like the combat-proven H225M and H145M. Additionally, Airbus provides specialized military helicopters such as the Tiger and NH90. The company also offers a diverse array of unmanned systems and is developing manned-unmanned teaming potential. Furthermore, Airbus has a strong track record in uniting European and global players for ambitious projects, including the Next Generation Rotorcraft.
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) is NATO’s leading organization for multinational acquisition, support, and sustainment across all domains. Headquartered in Luxembourg, NSPA has main operational centers in France, Hungary, and Italy. The Agency employs over 1,500 staff members. Additionally, it oversees more than 500 contractors worldwide.
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Q. – What is the purpose of the contract awarded to Airbus Helicopters?
A. – Leading a concept study for the NGRC project.
Q. – Who are Airbus’s partners in the NGRC study?
A. – RTX’s Collins Aerospace, Raytheon, and MBDA.
