UK MOD awards £1bn Leonardo contract for 23 next-gen AW149 helicopters

The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a £1 billion contract to Leonardo for 23 new medium helicopters, securing the future of helicopter manufacturing at Yeovil, in southwest England, and boosting the capabilities of the UK armed forces.

Under the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) program, Leonardo will build and deliver 23 latest-generation AW149 aircraft from its Yeovil site. The agreement strengthens the facility’s role serving national and export markets, while supporting thousands of skilled jobs across the UK supply chain and sustaining sovereign defense expertise for decades.

The MOD also confirmed further investment in Proteus, the UK’s first autonomous rotary-wing uncrewed air system, developed with the Royal Navy. Proteus completed its first flight earlier this year, with both programs forming a key part of the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy.

Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo, said: “This new program will translate into significant benefits for the country, preserving and expanding defense 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 endeavors in aerospace, defense, security, and space.”

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, added: “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 AW149 is designed to operate in all environments, from combat missions to humanitarian and disaster relief, replacing several aging helicopter types with a single, more versatile platform.

Leonardo recently selected Onboard Systems to supply its Pegasus next-generation rescue hoist for integration across Leonardo’s helicopter portfolio, starting with the AW139.