Leonardo’s UK helicopter chief has welcomed the award of the New Medium Helicopter contract and continued investment in autonomous systems, describing the decision as a long-term commitment to both capability and industry.
Nigel Colman, Managing Director of Helicopters UK at Leonardo, said the agreement to procure the AW149 alongside ongoing support for the Proteus uncrewed rotorcraft marked a significant step forward for the company’s partnership with the Ministry of Defence.
“We welcome the decision to award the New Medium Helicopter contract to supply medium lift helicopters to the Ministry of Defence, as well as the continued investment in Proteus – our autonomous rotary wing uncrewed air system in development with the Royal Navy,” he said.
Britain orders 23 new AW149 helicopters
Colman said Leonardo would deliver a medium lift platform based on the AW149 that is designed to serve UK forces for decades. “Leonardo is committed to providing the UK Armed Forces with a world-class medium lift helicopter based on our leading AW149 platform that will serve our military personnel for many years to come.”
He also underlined the industrial impact of the programme, linking the helicopter award directly to employment and supply chain stability.
“The Government’s procurement of the AW149, as well as the continued investment in autonomy, will support more than 3,300 jobs in Yeovil, the Home of British Helicopters, as well as 12,000 across the UK supply chain.”
Under the wider agreement, Yeovil is set to become a centre of excellence for autonomous helicopters, building on the first flight of the Proteus demonstrator earlier this year. The deal also opens the pathway for future export orders of the AW149 to be built in the UK, expanding domestic workshare and supporting potential growth of up to 3,900 jobs in the South West.