Months of delay in announcing a winner generated significant political and industrial tension. Last fall, Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani warned that the Yeovil facility could face closure without new UK government orders, arguing the company could not continue subsidizing the site indefinitely.
Ministers had indicated the NMH decision would be included in the government’s Defense Investment Plan (DIP), but its publication has been repeatedly delayed. With Leonardo’s Best and Final Offer set to expire on March 1, local Member of Parliament Adam Dance urged the government to proceed, warning that failure to act could risk job losses in Yeovil or higher costs for taxpayers.
In the end, ministers chose to move ahead with the procurement ahead of the DIP.
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Without the pending contract, Leonardo officials say Yeovil would have likely been downgraded to a military helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul center.
also see https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/leonardosuk-contract-military-helicopters-yeovil
