The AW149 will be the UK’s new medium helicopter, delivering Leonardo’s latest‑generation multi‑role battlefield capability. The aircraft operates across a wide range of demanding missions and performs in the most severe operational environments thanks to its modern, reconfigurable design.

Advanced platform and system technologies, mission equipment and weapon options, combined with exceptional levels of safety, survivability and crashworthiness, provide the UK armed forces with a highly effective, resilient and cost‑efficient capability.

An open systems architecture enables the rapid and low‑cost integration of new technology to meet evolving military requirements. With an active and mature AW149 supply chain already in place, Leonardo stands ready to deliver UK's new medium-lift capability.

By selecting the British‑made AW149, a cutting‑edge production line in the UK will be established in Yeovil. This decision strengthens UK sovereign skills, design and manufacturing, and intellectual property, supports thousands of jobs nationwide, boosts exports, and contributes significantly to the UK aerospace industry.

Read the full NMH Press Release

AW149 Military Credentials

Military‑certified in 2014, the AW149 proves its versatility as a multi‑role platform, reconfiguring easily to meet the UK’s operational demands across a wide variety of mission sets.

Onshore Design and Export Potential

Leonardo is the UK’s only onshore end-to-end manufacturer of helicopters, with our Yeovil site providing helicopters to customers across 26 countries. UK-made AW149s could satisfy an addressable export market for more than 500 medium multi-role helicopters.

UK Investment

Leonardo’s world-class helicopter design and manufacturing facility in Yeovil drives prosperity in the South West region and across the UK, contributing £320m in GDP to the local economy, and £890m to the wider UK economy.

Leonardo CEO highlights renewed UK commitment in £1bn AW149 helicopter deal

Watch the video to hear from Leonardo CEO and General Manager, Roberto Cingolani on 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 to be built at Yeovil.

Leonardo in Yeovil: Home of British Helicopters

Helicopters have been designed, built and tested at Yeovil for over 80 years and Leonardo’s facility is now the UK’s only end-to-end rotary wing manufacturer. During this time, more than 3,300 helicopters have been built and many of these have been exported worldwide. 500 UK-made Leonardo helicopters are currently operated by 34 customers in 23 countries.

More about Leonardo's presence in Yeovil

Leonardo in Yeovil: Home of British Helicopters

Leonardo tops helicopter manufacturers product support survey for 7th successive year

Our No.1 rated support service helps maximise availability and minimises cost of ownership, and is one of the key reasons the AW149 is the ideal solution for the New Medium Helicopter requirement.

Discover more about why Leonardo is ranked first