While Airbus talks with a number of “other customers," about interest in the H175M, company executive Bruno Even expects London to "reflect" on the status of the New Medium Helicopter competition.
On the face of it, the decision to push for a joint declaration, appears to rip up a clearly stated Labour manifesto pledge to “seek an ambitious new UK-EU security pact to strengthen co-operation on the threats we face.”
The jet-powered transport’s speed, survivability and multi-mission agility position it as a viable option to the C-130 for the US and NATO allies.
"We really just want to see the final tender and understand what the requirements are going to look like before we make a public announcement on our approach," said Paul Lemmo, President of Sikorsky.