Overview
- Defence minister Luke Pollard told MPs the NMH award will follow publication of the Defence Investment Plan and declined to give a timetable.
- Pollard said he spoke with Leonardo UK leaders today, described the company as a strategic partner, and pledged continued engagement with unions.
- Leonardo is the sole remaining bidder for the £1 billion contract; its best-and-final offer is reported to expire in March, with sources warning pricing may lapse if no award is made this month.
- MPs warned of industrial risks to Yeovil, citing roughly 3,000 jobs at the plant, wider supply-chain impacts and a £320 million local GDP contribution, figures not endorsed by ministers.
- The NMH programme would buy up to 44 medium-lift helicopters to replace Puma, Bell and Dauphin types, and the MoD says defence spending is rising as it finalises the plan.