£1 billion helicopter contract with Leonardo to secure thousands of jobs
Government deal aims to boost military capabilities and support British industry
Last updated 9 hours ago
A £1 billion contract has been announced between the UK Government and helicopter manufacturer Leonardo, which will secure 3,300 jobs across the country.
Leonardo will supply 23 medium-lift helicopters to the UK's armed forces as part of the deal, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The Italian company will also receive further investment to continue work on Proteus, the UK's first autonomous air system, which recently completed its initial flight.
The Defence Secretary, John Healey, said the deal represents a "major vote of confidence in British industry", while Chancellor Rachel Reeves emphasized the importance of the partnership for both security and economic growth.
Mr Healey stated: “This defence investment works for Britain on every level. It strengthens our Armed Forces, secures thousands of skilled British jobs, and sets up big export opportunities.”
The Yeovil plant in Somerset, a key site for Leonardo’s operations, will become central to global military helicopter production, according to Mr Healey.
Reeves added: “In an uncertain world, we are backing Britain's world-class defence sector to both keep Britain safe and drive economic growth.”
The Ministry of Defence anticipates up to £15 billion in international exports over the next decade from Yeovil.
Nigel Colman, managing director of helicopters UK at Leonardo, expressed commitment to providing the UK armed forces with "world-class" equipment that will support thousands of jobs both directly and across the supply chain.
Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo, said: “We welcome the UK Government’s decision to award the NMH contract to supply advanced medium lift helicopters to the UK Armed Forces, as well as the continued investments in our autonomous technology. Our industrial base in the UK is core to our international strategy and competitiveness, now and in the future.
This new programme will translate into significant benefits for the country; preserving and expanding defence and security capabilities, high quality industrial and technology expertise, professional skills and export opportunities, while also guaranteeing the UK remains a credible global player by preparing for future high-tech endeavours in aerospace, defence, security and space.”
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, said: “The NMH Contract Award opens a new chapter for our Yeovil site and its historical contribution to the UK Armed Forces. The AW149’s modern design, advanced technology and high performance will deliver outstanding capabilities allowing the operator to enter a new era in terms of mission effectiveness, interoperability, supportability and growth potential to face the challenges of modern and evolving scenarios. The addition of autonomous technology prospects as part of the Award, will further enhance the UK’s defence and industrial capabilities. We’re committed to starting working soon through this solid collaborative effort.”
The helicopter contract is part of a broader government plan to increase defence spending to 2.6% of GDP from 2027.