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.
