NATO taps Airbus to spearhead Next-Gen Helicopter Capability strategy exploration
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has embarked on an ambitious project, the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC), in collaboration with leading aerospace manufacturers across Europe. This joint initiative aims to develop a modern and versatile medium multi-role military helicopter platform, designed to meet the evolving security needs of NATO armed forces [3].
The NGRC project exemplifies a strategic collaboration among European countries, integrating expertise from major players such as Airbus Helicopters, Collins Aerospace, Raytheon, MBDA, and others [3]. France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, and Italy are involved in the project through their respective partner companies [4].
Airbus Helicopters, one of the world's largest suppliers of advanced military rotorcraft, has been awarded a contract by NSPA for a concept study in the NGRC project [2]. The company brings to the table a broad range of helicopters, including dual platforms like the combat-proven H225M and H145M, as well as specialized military helicopters such as the Tiger and NH90 [1].
The NGRC concepts will be modular and multi-mission, equipped with a high degree of connectivity and resilient communication systems. They will also be fully interoperable with other NATO means, focusing on high-performance rotorcraft [1]. Each partner will contribute to the study in its area of expertise, ranging from helicopter design and systems integration to connectivity, weapons and effectors, avionics, and sensors [1].
The program operates within a challenging economic environment marked by inflation, defense budget increases, supply chain constraints, and slower global economic growth projected around 2.3% for 2025. These factors impact defense industry investments and timelines [3]. Despite these challenges, the NSPA is committed to maximizing industry expertise, opportunity, and engagement in the NGRC program through the launch of three parallel contracts awarded by competition [4].
Airbus is partnering with RTX's Collins Aerospace and Raytheon businesses, and MBDA for the 13-month study [2]. The goal, as stated by Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, is to develop a European solution that fulfills the needs of NATO armed forces and guarantees industrial sovereignty for European nations [2].
The study will analyze two integrated concepts of next-generation military rotorcraft, with the aim of modernising and replacing aging rotorcraft fleets in Europe with advanced capabilities suitable for diverse military roles [3]. The NSPA, headquartered in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with main operational centers in France, Hungary, and Italy, is responsible for the project [1].
In summary, the NGRC project represents Europe’s concerted effort to field a state-of-the-art medium multi-role military helicopter through multinational cooperation among top aerospace firms, positioned against a backdrop of heightened security demands and economic challenges. Exact technical features and production schedules remain closely held or under active development.
The collaboration for the NGRC project involves multiple European countries, including top finance contributors, and includes major companies like Airbus Helicopters, Collins Aerospace (a partner of RTX), Raytheon, and MBDA, bringing together their expertise in technology, aerospace, and finance.
The NGRC program, as led by the NSPA, aims to develop modern and versatile medium multi-role military helicopters, integrating cutting-edge technologies in areas such as connectivity, weapons, avionics, and sensors, while addressing the challenges of a competitive and economically demanding finance industry.
