UK Ministry of Defense Signs £1 Billion Contract for Leonardo's AW149 Helicopters

The UK Ministry of Defense has signed a £1 billion contract for 23 AW149 helicopters from Leonardo, part of the New Medium Helicopter program. The contract follows an 18-month procurement process, during which Leonardo was the sole bidder after Airbus and Sikorsky withdrew. The AW149s will replace the Royal Air Force's Puma Mk.2s, which are set to be retired in April 2025, but will not enter service until 2031. Additionally, a meeting between UK and Turkish defense ministers confirmed ongoing cooperation regarding the Eurofighter project.

Published Mar 26, 2026

The UK Ministry of Defense has signed a £1 billion contract to purchase 23 AW149 battlefield utility helicopters from Leonardo for the New Medium Helicopter program. The contract was finalized on March 23, following an 18-month procurement process that saw Leonardo as the only bidder after Airbus and Sikorsky withdrew.

AI-curated by Theia

The AW149s will replace the Royal Air Force's Airbus Puma Mk.2s, which will be retired in April 2025, but will not be operational until 2031. Concurrently, UK and Turkish defense ministers confirmed cooperation on the Eurofighter Typhoon Project, with contracts for aircraft support signed.