Overview
- The Ministry of Defence confirmed an order for 23 medium‑lift helicopters under the New Medium Helicopter programme.
- Government statements say UK workshare will exceed 40% with Yeovil designated as Leonardo’s global hub for military helicopter production.
- The award safeguards about 3,300 roles in Somerset and supports a domestic supply chain of nearly 70 UK companies.
- The AW149 will consolidate multiple legacy roles into one platform for troop transport, special operations support and humanitarian missions.
- The programme is set to operate alongside uncrewed systems, with continued investment in Leonardo’s Proteus autonomous UAS and export potential projected at up to £15 billion over 10 years.