Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden will issue a request for quotation (RFQ) for the Nordic Standard Helicopter Programme (NSHP) on 29 November.
The four countries seek a common procurement of a 9-15t helicopter for use in search and rescue, anti-submarine warfare and tactical transport roles. Programme manager Col Mats Westin says the four are working on final numbers and a delivery schedule, but the likely purchase will be for 60-80 machines. Provisional figures suggested a 50-100 acquisition.
Westin says the four nations have worked to harmonise national requirements so that common mission equipment specifications can be included in the RFQ.
Bell, Boeing, EH Industries, Eurocopter, Kaman, PZL Swidnik, Rosvoorouzhenie and Sikorsky will receive RFQs. Responses are due by 4 April and contract signing is due next year.
Source: Flight International