Airbus Helicopters in Japan issued a statement today stating that the company has decided to withdraw from the tender to supply a ship-based utility helicopter for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
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By Joost J. Bakker from IJmuiden [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Airbus Helicopters said the tender specifications “stresses the importance of local content versus actual operational performance” and this “makes it almost impossible for Airbus Helicopters to compete.”
Analysts in Japan believed that Airbus Helicopters was preparing to propose the NH90 NFH for the competition.
Below is the statement from Airbus Helicopters
Statement from Airbus Helicopters
Airbus Helicopters welcomes the opportunity to bid for a ship-based utility helicopter for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
However, the format of the current solicitation, which stresses the importance of local content versus actual operational performance, makes it almost impossible for Airbus Helicopters to compete, although we believe we have the most suitable platform to meet the operational requirements.
Airbus Helicopters therefore reached the decision not to participate in this tender.
Airbus Helicopters regrets the way in which this RFP has been formulated. However, the company respects the Japanese procurement process and remains committed to re-engage with Japan’s Defense Ministry as appropriate.
Translation:
エアバス・ヘリコプターズは、海上自衛隊向けの多用途ヘリコプター（艦載型）に関する入札機会が与えられたことを
心より感謝いたします。しかしながら、当該選定においては、実際の性能以上に、国内における体制に重きを置かれており、
我々の提案が要求される運航性能に最も適していると考えるにも関わらず、選定される現実的な可能性がないと結論づけざるを得ませんでした。
エアバス・ヘリコプターズは、今回の提案要求書の内容を精査し、入札への不参加を決定せざるを得ませんでした。
エアバス・ヘリコプターズは、今回の提案要求書の内容を遺憾に思います。しかし我々は、日本の装備調達に敬意の念を払いつつ、
いつでも日本の防衛省と連携していきたいという気持ちに変わりはありません。