"Leonardo has warned the UK government that it may be forced to shut down its helicopter manufacturing operations in Britain if it fails to secure a flagship £1 billion Ministry of Defence contract, a move that would threaten the future of the country's last remaining helicopter factory. In a letter to defence secretary John Healey, Roberto Cingolani, chief executive of the Italian defence group, said the contract to replace the long-serving Puma helicopter was central to Leonardo's long-term commitment to the UK."
"Leonardo, the successor to Westland Helicopters, has produced military aircraft in Yeovil for decades and currently builds and supports more than 100 helicopters for the British armed forces, including the Merlin and Wildcat fleets. The site also services export orders for customers in the Middle East and North Africa, but senior executives have made clear that overseas work alone cannot sustain the factory indefinitely."
Leonardo warned the UK it may have to close its British helicopter manufacturing operations if it fails to secure a £1bn Ministry of Defence contract to replace the Puma. CEO Roberto Cingolani said losing the programme would force a reassessment of Leonardo's UK footprint, including the Yeovil factory that employs about 3,300 people. The AW149 is the sole remaining contender after Airbus and Lockheed Martin withdrew; Leonardo submitted a final bid in April and ministers now hold the decision. Cingolani said absence of new UK defence contracts would threaten further investment in electronics, cybersecurity and helicopter manufacturing.
Read at Business Matters
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