What Happened
Six Nations Collaborate On Future Helicopter Development
A NATO programme aimed at developing a next-generation military rotorcraft has moved forward with the release of detailed requirements to four pre-qualified bidders. The Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability project, led by six alliance members, contemplates a platform that could replace hundreds of current helicopters from 2035 onwards. The project’s requirements, although largely classified, include the need for an aircraft capable of performing both maritime and land missions, with a capacity for 12-16 fully equipped troops. The development and production contracts are expected to be signed in the 2028-2029 timeframe, with a service-entry target of 2035, as reported by flightglobal.com.