Defence

The UK Ministry of Defence expects to place a non-competitive contract with AgustaWestland later this year for an undisclosed number of Future Lynx helicopters. The UK last week confirmed the type as its preferred option for the Land Find and Maritime (Surface) Attack element of its £10 billion ($19.2 billion) rotorcraft renewal programme and announced plans to expand its current fleet support agreements with AgustaWestland. The UK is, however, expected to compete its requirement for a new Land Lift (Medium) fleet of transport helicopters, a likely battle between AgustaWestland's EH101 and the EADS-promoted NH Industries NH90. "Competition remains the cornerstone of MoD procurement policy," it says.