Somerset Council and Adam Dance react to Leonardo contract

On Monday, March 1, the contract was announced for Yeovil-based Leonardo to make 23 new medium-lift helicopters for the UK’s armed forces, securing over 3000 local jobs.

The contract also includes further investment in Proteus, the UK’s first autonomous uncrewed air system, which recently undertook its first flight and is made by Leonardo.

An announcement on the contract was delayed last autumn, and Council Leader Bill Revans wrote a joint letter with Yeovil MP Adam Dance to the Ministry of Defence to underline the vital importance of it for the local community, businesses, the county and the UK, while Councillor Rigby also met Minister of State Lord Coaker with Taunton MP Gideon Amos to hammer home the message.

Councillor Rigby said he was delighted the Government had chosen to go with the UK’s only end-to-end helicopter manufacturer.

He said: “This is fantastic news for Yeovil and the people of Somerset – it’s a massive boost to our economy, our communities which provide the workforce at Leonardo, and young people at Yeovil College training for a bright future in this innovative and exciting field – the sky is the limit now for our county.

“It is crucial for businesses in Somerset and across the South West.

“Our iAero facility in Yeovil is working in partnership with Leonardo at the cutting edge of Aerospace development – the award of this contract is a ringing endorsement of the skills base we have and are continuing to grow in Somerset.

“Yeovil MP Adam Dance has done an amazing job banging the drum on this, and we would like to thank him wholeheartedly.”

iAero is a £10 million, purpose-built research, design and innovation facility, which the council says supports the competitiveness and growth of the local aerospace and advanced engineering and manufacturing sector.

Adam Dance also welcomed the Government's announcement, said: “This is fantastic news for Yeovil and for our wider region. After months of uncertainty, this decision secures thousands of skilled jobs and gives real confidence to families and businesses who depend on Leonardo.

“I have worked tirelessly to make the case in Parliament that this contract is vital - not just for Yeovil, but for our national defence capability. Following the retirement of the Puma fleet, there was a clear capability gap. The AW149 helicopters will help fill that gap and strengthen our Armed Forces.

“Just as importantly, this award protects Britain’s sovereign ability to design and build helicopters at home. That capability is strategically important and incredibly difficult to rebuild once lost.

“I am proud to have stood alongside colleagues and the workforce to fight for this outcome. This announcement is a testament to the skill of the people who work at Leonardo and the strength of our local campaign.”