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UK Approves £1 Billion Helicopter Deal, Secures 3,000 Jobs

2/27/2026

32 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to approve a £1 billion contract with Leonardo S.p.A. to build 23 medium-lift helicopters in Yeovil, safeguarding about 3,000 jobs.
The contract will replace the Royal Air Force's aging Puma helicopters.
Leonardo had threatened to close the Yeovil facility without a new agreement, creating months of uncertainty.
The Yeovil site dates to 1915 and supports about 9,000 supply-chain jobs.

History

Historical Context

The Yeovil helicopter factory, established in 1915, has been pivotal in British aviation, particularly through Westland Helicopters, which emerged from mergers in the 1960s. Following the Westland affair in 1986, the company became part of Leonardo S.p.A. Today, a £1 billion investment aims to produce 23 medium-lift helicopters, addressing the Royal Air Force's urgent need for modernization and securing thousands of jobs in the region.

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Story summary

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to approve a £1 billion contract with Leonardo S.p.A. to build 23 medium-lift helicopters in Yeovil, safeguarding about 3,000 jobs.
The contract will replace the Royal Air Force's aging Puma helicopters.
Leonardo had threatened to close the Yeovil facility without a new agreement, creating months of uncertainty.
The Yeovil site dates to 1915 and supports about 9,000 supply-chain jobs.

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