The UK plans to enter service with a new medium military transport helicopter in January 2031 as part of the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme.
This was confirmed by Defense Secretary Luke Pollard in his response to a parliamentary question from Conservative MP James Cartlidge.
The project involves a contract worth approximately $1.33 billion, and the Italian company Leonardogoing helicopter Leonardo AW149 23 units will be produced. Production will take place at the company’s factory in Yeovil, Somerset, and the British government plans to develop the facility into a global base for military helicopter production and export.
According to the published schedule, the first aircraft are expected to be delivered in the summer of 2030, and the last aircraft are expected to arrive in the UK in the fall of 2033. Around the same time, it is expected that the introduction contract related to the program will be finalized.
The AW149 is designed to replace several older models currently in service and integrate a variety of missions into one platform. The aircraft can be deployed for missions such as combat troop transport, humanitarian assistance and other military operations, and is expected to provide greater operational flexibility and simplified logistics systems.
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source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by our 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
