The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a £1 billion contract to Leonardo for the delivery of 23 next-generation AW149 medium helicopters, marking a major investment in British military aviation and industrial capability.
Under the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme, the aircraft will be built at Leonardo’s Yeovil facility—long regarded as the home of British helicopter manufacturing—reinforcing the site’s strategic importance for both domestic and export markets.
The contract centres on the AW149, a multi-role medium-lift platform designed for operations ranging from combat missions to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The NMH programme aims to consolidate several rotary-wing roles into a single aircraft type, replacing multiple legacy platforms. The move is expected to enhance operational flexibility, improve fleet efficiency and reduce long-term support complexity across the UK Armed Forces.
The AW149 is already in service with international operators and is positioned as a modern replacement for ageing medium-weight helicopter fleets worldwide.
Beyond fleet capability, the award secures thousands of skilled jobs across the UK supply chain and preserves sovereign defence expertise for decades. The Yeovil site is expected to serve as a hub not only for domestic production but also for potential export campaigns involving the AW149 and other Leonardo platforms.
The programme aligns with the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy, reinforcing domestic manufacturing resilience and long-term aerospace competencies.
In parallel, the MoD confirmed continued investment in Proteus, the UK’s first autonomous rotary-wing uncrewed air system. Developed in collaboration with the Royal Navy, Proteus completed its maiden flight earlier this year and forms part of Britain’s broader ambition to lead in uncrewed and autonomous rotorcraft technology.
The dual investment in manned and autonomous systems signals a strategic pivot toward future-ready capabilities within the UK defence ecosystem.
Leonardo executives described the contract as a landmark decision that strengthens the company’s UK industrial base while enhancing the Armed Forces’ operational readiness in increasingly complex global environments.
With the NMH programme now formally underway, Yeovil is set to enter a new phase as a cornerstone of Britain’s military rotorcraft production and innovation.
This post was published on 4 March 2026 21:59
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