Summary
The UK government awarded a £1 billion contract to Leonardo Helicopters for building 23 new military helicopters. This deal will create around 600 new jobs at the Yeovil site and sustain a total of 3,300 jobs directly involved with this project. The agreement secures the future of the site and may lead to significant export opportunities.
Key Facts
- Leonardo Helicopters received a £1 billion contract from the UK Ministry of Defence.
- They will build 23 new medium helicopters at their Yeovil site in Somerset.
- The deal is expected to create 600 new jobs.
- It will also sustain 3,300 existing jobs.
- Future export orders could bring in over £15 billion over the next 10 years.
- The contract secures the site's future and increases job count by 20%.
- Leonardo initially bid to build 44 helicopters, but the contract was reduced due to budget cuts.
- Leonardo has several other locations in the UK, including sites in Edinburgh and Luton.
