How the UK’s New Medium Helicopter award strengthens AW149’s European prospects
Launched in 2006, the AgustaWestland AW149 took its first flight in 2009. Now, it has been acquired by five nations, including the UK. (Photo: Leonardo Helicopters)
The UK advanced its long-delayed New Medium Helicopter programme in March with a £1 billion order for 23 Leonardo AW149s. While the deal could provide a foundation for further UK and European export orders, funding pressures and previous delays continue to cloud the programme’s future.
Following years of negotiations and delays, the UK New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme is finally underway. First announced in November 2021, the programme was an effort to replace the Royal Air Force (RAF) Bell 412 and Puma HC2, the Army Air Corps Bell 212 and the SOF Airbus AS365.
Following years of delays, in March 2026, the UK awarded Leonardo a £1 billion (US$1.3 billion) contract for 23 AW149 helicopter platforms, set to be manufactured at the company’s plant in Yeovil. The AW149’s selection for the UK contract marks the platform’s second European customer, as the rotorcraft is already in service in
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Country-focused updates
-
![Armada 2050: can Spain deliver its naval transformation?]()
Armada 2050: can Spain deliver its naval transformation?
Spain’s naval modernisation drive is moving from concept to contracts, with RfIs and RfPs expected before the end of the decade, despite second-batch frigate and submarine numbers remaining undecided.
-
![Italy sets course for a decade of sustained naval investment]()
Italy sets course for a decade of sustained naval investment
The country's long-term growth plan to overhaul its fleets well into the 2030s could open the door to an array of opportunities for suppliers.
-
![Ireland’s strategic cable role grows as naval capacity falls behind]()
Ireland’s strategic cable role grows as naval capacity falls behind
Around 75% of the northern hemisphere’s undersea cables transit Irish waters, but personnel shortfalls and a stalled multirole vessel programme leave patrol capacity in question.
-
![How India’s FCAS ambitions could reshape its combat-air roadmap]()
How India’s FCAS ambitions could reshape its combat-air roadmap
Participation in the French-led programme could provide India with access to sixth-generation technologies but force difficult choices over AMCA, TEDBF and indigenous propulsion development.
-
![AI-controlled F-16s advance towards autonomous multi-aircraft operations in US]()
AI-controlled F-16s advance towards autonomous multi-aircraft operations in US
The US plans to progressively expand VENOM/AIR testing from single-aircraft flights to multi-platform autonomous operations over the next 12–24 months, generating data that could support future US military AI programmes, including Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
-
![US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog]()
US turns to allies to tackle navy shipbuilding backlog
A White House memorandum acknowledges US Navy shipbuilding backlogs and a weakened industrial base, opening a formal path for South Korean and Japanese yards to help rebuild capacity.
