The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded Airbus Helicopters a contract to spearhead a concept study for the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) project. The study, which involves a collaboration with RTX’s Collins Aerospace, Raytheon, and MBDA, will explore two integrated concepts for a medium multi-role military helicopter.

Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, emphasized the opportunity to leverage Airbus’s extensive experience with European armed forces. “Our aim, alongside our partners, is to develop a European solution that meets NATO’s needs while ensuring industrial sovereignty for European nations,” he said. The new rotorcraft will be designed for interoperability with existing NATO assets and will emphasize cost-effectiveness, high performance, and operational efficiency.

NSPA General Manager Stacy A. Cummings highlighted the significance of Concept Study #5 as a milestone in the NGRC project.

“This study will provide a broad range of potential concepts for our multinational customers,” she noted.

France, Germany, the UK, the US, Ireland, and Italy are participating in the project, with contributions from various experts in helicopter design, systems integration, avionics, and more.

Airbus, a leading supplier of military rotorcraft, will use its experience in both civil and military helicopter design to contribute to this ambitious project. The study will focus on creating high-performance, modular, multi-mission rotorcraft that adhere to NATO standards and include advanced connectivity and resilient communication systems.

The NSPA, headquartered in Luxembourg, is NATO’s primary organization for multinational acquisition, support, and sustainment, managing over 500 contractors globally.