NATO rotorcraft programme moves ahead with three bidders after Boeing exits

Boeing has withdrawn from the competition to supply a future military rotorcraft for NATO, leaving three manufacturers in the running for the concept design phase of the Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability programme.

The US airframer, which was named a pre-qualified bidder last year, told the NATO Support and Procurement Agency before an 11 September deadline that it would not answer the request for proposals issued in July. Boeing had not taken part in the programme's concept study phase, which ended in late 2025 with five rotorcraft concepts submitted.

Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters and Sikorsky remain in the contest. Programme manager Cyril Heckel said he was glad the remaining companies intend to continue, describing three bidders as enough to keep a competitive field.

The NGRC is managed by the procurement agency for six alliance members. Service entry is targeted between 2035 and 2040.

The request for proposals runs to roughly 800 pages. Heckel declined to give details of the requirements, citing confidentiality, but said they are based on attributes published earlier in the process. Each requirement carries a threshold figure that must be met and an objective figure, with bidders scoring higher the closer they come to the objective.