Leonardo proposal for the RAF New Medium Helicopter (NMH) competition to replace the Puma Mk2.
It is based on the AW189K powered with Safran Aneto-1K engines
In November 2023 due to program delays were revealed plans to acquired at least six Airbus Jupiter HC.2 to be operated in Brunei and Cyprus.
In August 2024, Airbus Helicopters and Sikorsky withdrew from the UK’s New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme, leaving Leonardo and its AW149 as the sole remaining bid. Leonardo submitted its best and final offer in April 2025, but as of November 2025 the UK government has not awarded the contract, with a decision expected as part of the Defence Investment Plan later in the year. Meanwhile, Leonardo has warned that its Yeovil facility—where the AW149 would be built—could face closure if NMH is not selected. Although Leonardo remains fully “in” the competition, the NMH programme has lost momentum and was recently downgraded from Green to Amber, reflecting delays, budget pressures, and uncertainty over whether the procurement will proceed, raising the possibility it could be scaled back, postponed, or cancelled entirely.
On March 2, 2026, the UK Ministry of Defence awarded Leonardo a £1 billion contract for 23 AW149 helicopters, which will be produced at the Yeovil facility. The agreement secures 3,300 jobs in Yeovil, supports 12,000 jobs across the UK supply chain, and includes investment in the Proteus autonomous uncrewed air system.
It is based on the AW189K powered with Safran Aneto-1K engines
In November 2023 due to program delays were revealed plans to acquired at least six Airbus Jupiter HC.2 to be operated in Brunei and Cyprus.
In August 2024, Airbus Helicopters and Sikorsky withdrew from the UK’s New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme, leaving Leonardo and its AW149 as the sole remaining bid. Leonardo submitted its best and final offer in April 2025, but as of November 2025 the UK government has not awarded the contract, with a decision expected as part of the Defence Investment Plan later in the year. Meanwhile, Leonardo has warned that its Yeovil facility—where the AW149 would be built—could face closure if NMH is not selected. Although Leonardo remains fully “in” the competition, the NMH programme has lost momentum and was recently downgraded from Green to Amber, reflecting delays, budget pressures, and uncertainty over whether the procurement will proceed, raising the possibility it could be scaled back, postponed, or cancelled entirely.
On March 2, 2026, the UK Ministry of Defence awarded Leonardo a £1 billion contract for 23 AW149 helicopters, which will be produced at the Yeovil facility. The agreement secures 3,300 jobs in Yeovil, supports 12,000 jobs across the UK supply chain, and includes investment in the Proteus autonomous uncrewed air system.
News
- Jul 18, 2022 · Yeovil Prepares to Manufacture the AW149
- May 3, 2022 · “Unlocking Social Value” at Yevoil
- Apr 1, 2022 · AW149 to be Assembled at Yeovil if Selected by RAF
- Feb 19, 2022 · AW149 in Weapons Firing Trials
- Nov 20, 2021 · Blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel for AW149
- Nov 3, 2021 · Full Ice Protection System for AW149
- Sep 14, 2021 · Team AW149 UK
- Jun 14, 2021 · Gravity Jet Suit Visits AW149
- Jun 2, 2021 · Leonardo AW149 RAF Demonstrator