AIRBUS is through to the next stage of a Ministry of Defence (MoD) competition to win a contract for a fleet of new aircraft. 

If Airbus is successful in winning the contract - worth an estimated £1.2 billion - the company will produce hundreds of the H175M. They will be produced at a new Helicopter Production facility at the Broughton site and would create hundreds of jobs.

Airbus is up against the Boeing, Leonardo Helicopters and Sikorsky companies in vying for the contract.

Industry competitors were asked in May to submit responses to a dynamic prequalification questionnaire (DPQQ) in order for an initial assessment phase to be carried out and a shortlist of eligible bidders approved. The next steps in the process will see a full set of requirements being released by the MoD in 2023.

READ MORE: Airbus showcases helicopter that could create hundreds of new jobs in £1.2 billion MoD deal

“The second half of the competition, in which we will ask the selected suppliers to provide more detailed responses, is due to be launched later this financial year,” a MoD spokesperson said.

An Airbus spokesperson said: "We are delighted to confirm that we’ve passed the DPQQ stage of the UK’s New Medium Helicopter competition.

"Looking forward to formally offering the H175M to be made only in Britain and exported only from Britain."

The Leader: The H175M.The H175M. (Image: Newsquest)

The MoD is calling for a maximum procurement of 44 aircraft to replace the RAF’s 23-strong Puma HC.2 battlefield helicopters.

Airbus head of plant, Jerome Blandin, said: "This will reinvigorate the UK's helicopter industry. Broughton has long since been seen as the crown jewel of Airbus plants - and where better than here to run production of the H175M if we win this contract. 

"This is an amazing opportunity for the company, and one we will do everything we can to win. It would be a huge boost for North Wales and the north west."