On May 18, 2022, the British Ministry of Defence issued a tender to procure up to 44 New Medium Helicopters (NMH). The Royal Air Force's 23 Puma HC2 and three Bell Griffin HAR2 helicopters and the Army Air Corps' five Bell 212s and six Dauphin IIs will be replaced by these new aircraft.
Four manufacturers are expected to compete at the tender; Airbus has already announced its involvement with the H175M. Leonardo wants to sell the AW149. Bell Textron may promote the Bell 525, and Sikorsky may participate with S-70M.The contract, worth between £900 million and £1 billion ($1.1 billion and $1.5 billion), will allow the Ministry to rationalize its helicopter fleet by using only one type, saving money on maintenance and training.
