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UK's Last Helicopter Factory Faces Closure Without £1bn Contract

1/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The UK's last helicopter factory, Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, could close if the Ministry of Defence does not award a £1bn contract by March.
The delay would put about 3,000 jobs at risk at the Yeovil site.
Leonardo Helicopters' chief executive warns of halting UK investments.
Sharon Graham, union leader, criticized government delays.
The MoD says it is increasing the defence budget to meet rising demands amid threats from Russia.

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Story summary

The UK's last helicopter factory, Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil, could close if the Ministry of Defence does not award a £1bn contract by March.
The delay would put about 3,000 jobs at risk at the Yeovil site.
Leonardo Helicopters' chief executive warns of halting UK investments.
Sharon Graham, union leader, criticized government delays.
The MoD says it is increasing the defence budget to meet rising demands amid threats from Russia.