Work on AW159 Wildcat helicopter will stay in the UK

The Minister for Defence Procurement has announced that work on the AW159 Wildcat helicopter produced by Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil will continue in the UK.

After careful joint analysis with the Ministry of Defence about whether to relocate the helicopter work, Leonardo Helicopters in Yeovil has confirmed that it will carry out all future fabrication for the AW159 helicopter in the UK.

The agreement will sustain 40 highly skilled jobs across the UK-based supply chain.

In 2016 the MOD bought a number of specialised jigs and tooling for the fabrication of the AW159 Wildcat helicopters. These essential parts will now be used by Leonardo to carry out the fabrication work in the UK, with much of the work being undertaken at the Somerset facility.

The MOD’s commitment to the Wildcat was highlighted earlier this year when a £271 million five-year deal was signed to deliver a range of support and training services to the UK’s entire fleet of Wildcat helicopters, securing 500 jobs at Leonardo’s facilities in Yeovil and Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton.

Harriett Baldwin, Minister for Defence, said: “I am delighted that a solution for UK-based fabrication for the AW159 helicopter has been identified between the MOD and Leonardo Helicopters. An agreement that secures Yeovil as the home of AW159 and Wildcat production and maintenance in the UK.

“This work has not only helped sustain 40 of highly skilled jobs within the UK, but will act as a positive boost for the company and, through improved cost-effectiveness, their export customers. I would also like to pay tribute to Marcus Fysh MP, who has worked tirelessly to secure this great result.”