Leonardo CEO and General Manager, Roberto Cingolani, has underlined the strategic importance of the United Kingdom following the award of a £1bn contract by the UK Government for 23 AW149 medium-lift helicopters to be built at the company’s base in Yeovil.
In a video message released on 4 March 2026, 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 its Yeovil facility, 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.
Watch the full video message here.
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