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

Leonardo CEO and General Manager, Roberto Cingolani, has underlined 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.

04 March 2026

In a video message released on 4 March 2026, Roberto Cingolani described the UK as a core domestic partner for Leonardo and a cornerstone of the company’s long-term industrial presence.

He emphasised that the renewed commitment by the UK Government consolidates a historic partnership, supports British jobs and national security, and equips the country with a world-class medium-lift helicopter capability based on the AW149 platform.

Leonardo also plans to expand research and development activities at Yeovil, including work on unmanned helicopter technologies, with the aim of establishing a centre of excellence that will strengthen not only production capabilities but also innovation and advanced engineering.

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