3,000 jobs at risk unless MoD signs helicopter order, sources say

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Simon GoodleyJanuary 11, 2026 at 07:43 PM

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medium article 2 min

Leonardo Helicopters' factory in Yeovil, UK, faces potential closure, jeopardizing 3,000 jobs, if the Ministry of Defence (MoD) does not award the "new medium helicopter" contract by March. Leonardo, the sole bidder for the £1 billion contract launched in February 2024, requires the order by January to meet deadlines, as its "best and final offer" expires in March. The company's CEO has warned that delays could force a reevaluation of Leonardo's UK presence and investment. The Unite union has urged the government to confirm the order, while the MoD states that the UK defence budget is rising to record levels. The delay occurs despite pledges to increase defence spending amid growing Russian aggression.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Somerset 30% Daily Telegraph 40% Unite 40% Russia 50% Sharon Graham 50% John Healey 60% Roberto Cingolani ×270% UK ×480% Leonardo Helicopters ×485% Ministry of Defence ×290%

Keywords

helicopter order 90% manufacturing jobs 80% ministry of defence 80% leonardo helicopters 70% defence spending 60% new medium helicopter 60% uk government 50% defence industry 50% investment 40% supply chain 40%