The NGRC programme is aimed at developing a medium-class, multi-role rotorcraft to replace medium multi-role helicopters now in service. The initiative began in 2022 and includes France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Canada, while the United States and Spain are acting as observers.
“We are committed to strengthening our strategic partnerships, expanding industrial capacity and deepening our long-term presence in Europe,” said Dr. Dennis Goege, Lockheed Martin chief executive for Europe. “Local production supports a highly skilled regional workforce, reinforces Europe’s defence industrial base and enhances NATO readiness.”
Sikorsky said European development, production and component manufacturing would improve logistics and strengthen NATO’s rapid-response posture. The company also said the plan would support high-skill jobs, local supply chains and training for the next generation of aerospace engineers.
The company is studying advanced airframe configurations, open-architecture avionics systems and mission capabilities designed to meet NATO’s evolving deterrence concepts. Sikorsky said it will partner with leading European aerospace firms, industry groups and suppliers as part of a locally sourced NGRC production line.
Those partnerships are expected to support technology transfer, job creation and sustainment capability across the region and beyond. Sikorsky said its goal is to combine multinational expertise into a global NGRC solution focused on performance, safety and cost effectiveness.
Alongside the European effort, Sikorsky is expanding work in Asia on an international X2 variant. The company said growing interest in the region has led to a joint programme with industry leaders to develop a next-generation rotorcraft platform adaptable to different operational environments.
The NATO Support and Procurement Agency, through its NGRC Support Partnership, will lead the effort to meet the future requirement. Sikorsky said the programme is intended to use recent advances in technology, production methods and operational concepts while delivering the capability in a timely and cost-effective manner.
