The United Kingdom expects to put its new medium transport military helicopter into operation in January 2031 as part of the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) program.
The confirmation was given by Defense Minister Luke Pollard in response to a parliamentary question from Conservative MP James Cartlidge.
The project involves a contract worth about US$1.33 billion awarded to the Italian company Leonardo, responsible for manufacturing 23 units of the helicopter Leonardo AW149. Production will take place at the company’s factory in Yeovil, in the county of Somerset, which the British government intends to consolidate as a global hub for the production and export of military helicopters.
According to the announced schedule, the first aircraft is expected to be delivered in the summer of 2030, while the final units are scheduled to arrive to the British armed forces in the autumn of 2033. The same period is also expected to mark the completion of the acquisition contract related to the program.
The AW149 was designed to replace several older models currently in service and consolidate multiple roles into a single platform. The aircraft can be used in missions such as troop transport in combat, humanitarian support and other military operations, promising greater operational flexibility and simplified logistics.
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Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: X @Leonardo_UK | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
The #AW149 is ready for the modern battlefield, combining a latest generation airframe with advanced mission systems, exceptional survivability and the flexibility to perform multiple frontline roles. From troop transport and utility lift to specialist missions, it is designed to… pic.twitter.com/wfMrDpQfPq
— Leonardo in the UK 🇬🇧 (@Leonardo_UK) March 2, 2026
