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The Leonardo helicopter factory in Yeovil, UK, faces potential closure if it does not receive a £1bn contract to supply new medium-sized helicopters to the British Army and Royal Air Force. The facility, crucial to the local economy and employing 3,000 people, has been awaiting a contract decision from the Ministry of Defence, which has repeatedly delayed announcements.

Local business owners express concern over the economic fallout, predicting significant job losses and impacts on the community if the factory closes. The average salary at the plant exceeds £50,000, making the potential loss of skilled jobs particularly damaging.

Leonardo's CEO has stated the company cannot continue to subsidize the facility indefinitely, with a decision expected by March 2026. The local MP has criticized the lack of communication from the Ministry, fearing considerable redundancies if the contract is not awarded.