LONDON, March 2 (Reuters) - Britain on Monday awarded a 1 billion pound ($1.35 billion)contract to Italian defence contractor Leonardo to build a new fleet of military helicopters, securing 3,300 jobs
UK Awards £1 Billion Helicopter Contract to Leonardo, Securing 3,300 Jobs
Major Defence Contract Strengthens UK Industry and Armed Forces
Contract Details and Economic Impact
LONDON, March 2 (Reuters) - Britain on Monday awarded a 1 billion pound ($1.35 billion)contract to Italian defence contractor Leonardo to build a new fleet of military helicopters, securing 3,300 jobs at the company's manufacturing site in Yeovil, southwest England.
Scope of the Helicopter Deal
Leonardo will provide British armed forces with 23 new medium-lift helicopters to work alongside uncrewed aircraft, the government said.
Future Opportunities and Local Benefits
It also paved the way for future international orders to be built in Britain, with more than 40% of the work set to be carried out in Yeovil, it said.
Leonardo had warned that it could lose Britain's last military helicopter manufacturing site if it did not secure the order.
Government and Industry Reactions
Defence Secretary John Healey said the contract strengthened Britain's armed forces, secured thousands of jobs and set up big opportunities for exports.
Financial Details
($1 = 0.7416 pounds)
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Paul Sandle; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
