Leonardo, backed by the Italian state, is the single bidder for a £1bn Ministry of Defence contract to replace the Royal Air Force's aging Pumas. This significant move could shape the future of Britain's last helicopter factory in Yeovil.
Despite previous concerns regarding public finances, Leonardo's CEO Clive Higgins stated, 'We absolutely need a medium-lift platform.' This indicates confidence in the necessity of the project for national defense.
The helicopter factory in Yeovil, with 3,300 employees, plays a crucial role in the local economy, especially as many workers earn higher wages than in surrounding areas.
Historically, the Yeovil factory has deep roots in British aviation, having manufactured notable aircrafts including the Seafire during WWII and the Merlin helicopter featured in Skyfall.
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