Leonardo has reaffirmed the strategic importance of the United Kingdom following the award of a £1 billion contract by the UK Government for 23 AW149 medium-lift helicopters, which will be built at the company’s Yeovil facility.

In a video message released on 4 March 2026, Leonardo CEO and General Manager Roberto Cingolani described the United Kingdom as a core domestic partner for the company and a cornerstone of Leonardo’s long-term industrial presence.

UK Partnership and industrial role

Cingolani noted that the contract reinforces Leonardo’s long-standing relationship with the United Kingdom and supports the country’s domestic industrial capability. The AW149 programme will be centred at the Yeovil site, which has historically served as Leonardo’s principal helicopter manufacturing hub in the UK.

According to Cingolani, the agreement consolidates the historic partnership between Leonardo and the UK Government while supporting British jobs and contributing to national security requirements.

Medium-lift capability based on AW149

The contract will provide the UK with a medium-lift helicopter capability based on the AW149 platform. Cingolani stated that the aircraft will deliver a modern capability intended to support operational requirements while strengthening the country’s rotorcraft fleet.

Expansion of research and development at Yeovil

Leonardo also intends to expand research and development activities at Yeovil. Planned initiatives include work on unmanned helicopter technologies as part of a broader effort to enhance engineering capability and innovation.

The company aims to establish a centre of excellence at the site, supporting both production and advanced research while reinforcing Yeovil’s role within Leonardo’s global helicopter operations.