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Leonardo Chief Says UK Set to Decide on New Medium Helicopter Programme
Defence group’s CEO indicates verdict approaching as competition for Britain’s next-generation rotorcraft enters final phase
The chief executive of Leonardo has indicated that a decision on the United Kingdom’s New Medium Helicopter programme is drawing closer, signalling a pivotal moment for one of Britain’s most significant defence aviation procurements in recent years.
Speaking during recent industry engagements, Leonardo’s CEO said the company expects clarity from the UK Ministry of Defence in the near term, as the competition to supply a new fleet of medium-lift helicopters reaches its concluding stages.
The programme is intended to replace several ageing platforms currently in service, consolidating capabilities into a modern, more efficient rotorcraft fleet.
Leonardo is offering its AW149 helicopter, assembled at its Yeovil facility in southwest England, positioning the proposal as a strong contributor to domestic industrial capability and long-term employment.
The company has emphasised the aircraft’s operational flexibility, interoperability with allied forces and ability to support a broad range of missions, including troop transport, search and rescue, and disaster relief.
The New Medium Helicopter programme is designed to rationalise the Royal Air Force’s rotary-wing fleet by replacing older Puma helicopters and other legacy aircraft with a single, modern platform.
The procurement has been closely watched by industry stakeholders, given its potential to shape the future of Britain’s helicopter manufacturing base.
Leonardo has underscored the economic and strategic importance of maintaining sovereign design and manufacturing capability in the UK, arguing that a domestic production line would safeguard skills and supply chains critical to national security.
The government has previously stated that value for money, operational effectiveness and industrial impact will all be central to the final decision.
While the Ministry of Defence has not formally confirmed the timing of the award, the CEO’s remarks suggest that a verdict may be imminent.
The outcome will determine not only the future of Britain’s medium-lift helicopter capability but also the direction of its rotary-wing industrial strategy for years to come.
Speaking during recent industry engagements, Leonardo’s CEO said the company expects clarity from the UK Ministry of Defence in the near term, as the competition to supply a new fleet of medium-lift helicopters reaches its concluding stages.
The programme is intended to replace several ageing platforms currently in service, consolidating capabilities into a modern, more efficient rotorcraft fleet.
Leonardo is offering its AW149 helicopter, assembled at its Yeovil facility in southwest England, positioning the proposal as a strong contributor to domestic industrial capability and long-term employment.
The company has emphasised the aircraft’s operational flexibility, interoperability with allied forces and ability to support a broad range of missions, including troop transport, search and rescue, and disaster relief.
The New Medium Helicopter programme is designed to rationalise the Royal Air Force’s rotary-wing fleet by replacing older Puma helicopters and other legacy aircraft with a single, modern platform.
The procurement has been closely watched by industry stakeholders, given its potential to shape the future of Britain’s helicopter manufacturing base.
Leonardo has underscored the economic and strategic importance of maintaining sovereign design and manufacturing capability in the UK, arguing that a domestic production line would safeguard skills and supply chains critical to national security.
The government has previously stated that value for money, operational effectiveness and industrial impact will all be central to the final decision.
While the Ministry of Defence has not formally confirmed the timing of the award, the CEO’s remarks suggest that a verdict may be imminent.
The outcome will determine not only the future of Britain’s medium-lift helicopter capability but also the direction of its rotary-wing industrial strategy for years to come.
