NAH, formerly AH-X (JGSDF)

A request for information in May elicited responses from Bell, Boeing, Leonardo Helicopters, Airbus Helicopters, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

While the requirement was previously designated AH-X, this appears to have changed to NAH for ‘New Attack Helicopter.’ The deal is aimed at replacing the AH-1S, and possibly other types in service with the Japan Ground Self Defence Force.

The RFI appears to be broadly based, as evidenced by the diversity of responses. These comprise dedicated attack helicopters, as well as a proposal from MHI to repurpose legacy UH-60s as weapons platforms.

Marinisation, or the ability to operate in a littoral environment, appears to be an important element, as well as the platform’s ability to communicate with other assets in the battle space. Also important is interoperability with platforms operated by Japan’s main ally, the USA.

There do not appear to be direct offsets for the deal, but Tokyo wants to gain intellectual property. Given past precedents local production is likely to be a major consideration.

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