Royal Navy helicopter contract helps secure 200 jobs

A Navy contract is securing 200 jobs at Leonardo in Yeovil

A new Royal Navy contract will help sustain 200 jobs in Somerset, according to a government announcement.

A fleet of more than 50 Royal Navy helicopters will receive maintenance under a £165m contract extension with Leonardo Helicopters, supporting 1,000 UK jobs.

Leonardo, based in Yeovil, is the prime contractor, with Lockheed Martin and SERCO appointed as key sub-contractors.

Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, said: "This investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to maintaining cutting-edge defence capabilities that keep us safe, while utilising defence as an engine for economic growth."

A fleet of more than 50 Merlin Mk2 helicopters will be maintained as part of the contract

The Merlin Mk2 helicopters are primarily used as submarine hunters but can also carry out search and rescue operations, intercept drug runners and support humanitarian relief efforts.

As well as jobs based in Somerset, the agreement will support jobs at RNAS Culdrose in Cornwall.

Nigel Colman, managing director at Leonardo Helicopters UK, said: "We're extremely proud to have provided the UK's AW101 Merlin fleet from the home of British helicopters in Yeovil.

"Working closely with the Ministry of Defence and Royal Navy, we're keeping the Merlin fleet supported and available, so it's ready to fly whenever and wherever it's called upon."