Leonardo Highlights AW149 Helicopter Following UK Royal Air Force Contract Award.

Leonardo is showcasing the AW149 at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, just months after the helicopter secured the UK Ministry of Defence's New Medium Helicopter (NMH) contract. The selection marks a major step in modernising the Royal Air Force's medium lift fleet while reinforcing Britain's sovereign aerospace manufacturing capability.

Announced in February 2026, the NMH contract covers the delivery of 23 AW149 helicopters and four full mission simulators to replace the Royal Air Force's ageing Puma HC2 fleet. The programme will see the aircraft produced at Leonardo's Yeovil facility in Somerset, supporting UK jobs, domestic helicopter manufacturing and long-term defence industrial capacity while providing the RAF with an advanced medium-lift helicopter for future operations.

Related News: UK orders 23 Leonardo AW149 helicopters under £1 billion New Medium Helicopter program

Leonardo highlights the AW149 at Farnborough 2026 following the UK's 23-helicopter NMH contract to replace the RAF Puma HC2 fleet. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The AW149 is an 8.6-tonne twin-engine military helicopter designed to perform a broad range of missions, including tactical troop transport, logistics support, special operations, medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), combat search and rescue (CSAR), command and control, and general utility tasks. Its latest-generation airframe is developed for operations in demanding environments and features a reconfigurable cabin that allows the aircraft to be adapted rapidly to different mission requirements.

The helicopter can accommodate up to 19 personnel or carry 12 fully equipped soldiers in an assault configuration. It can also be configured for casualty evacuation with multiple stretchers and is capable of carrying external sling loads of up to 2,720 kg. Powered by two General Electric CT7-2E1 turboshaft engines, each producing more than 2,000 shp, the AW149 reaches a maximum speed of approximately 313 km/h, cruises at around 287 km/h, has a range of up to 800 km depending on mission configuration, and offers an endurance of approximately four hours.

The aircraft features a fully digital cockpit compatible with night vision goggles, supported by modern avionics and a four-axis automatic flight control system. It also incorporates a mission management system and an open architecture that facilitates the integration of new mission equipment, sensors and weapon systems throughout its service life as operational requirements evolve.

Depending on customer requirements, the AW149 can be fitted with a range of mission equipment, including an electro-optical system, weather radar, rescue hoist, auxiliary fuel tanks and various communications systems. The platform can also be armed with door-mounted machine guns, rocket pods or guided missiles, depending on the selected configuration.

Survivability is another element of the helicopter's design. The airframe incorporates crashworthy structural features, energy-absorbing seats, self-sealing fuel tanks and ballistic protection for critical areas. It can also be equipped with an electronic warfare suite comprising radar warning receivers, laser warning receivers, missile approach warning systems and countermeasure dispensers to enhance protection against contemporary threats.

Leonardo also highlights the industrial dimension of the UK programme. The AW149 helicopters ordered by the United Kingdom are produced at the company's Yeovil site in Somerset, where Leonardo concentrates its helicopter design, development and manufacturing activities. The NMH programme relies on an established UK supply chain and includes the implementation of a dedicated production line. According to Leonardo, this industrial organisation supports domestic capabilities in helicopter design, manufacturing and through-life support while sustaining several thousand jobs across the British aerospace sector.

The AW149's open systems architecture also provides a basis for future capability development. It enables the integration of new technologies, sensors, communications systems and mission equipment without requiring significant modifications to the platform, allowing the helicopter to adapt to evolving operational requirements over its service life.

With the UK order, the AW149 expands its operator base following previous acquisitions by Poland, Egypt, Thailand and North Macedonia. Leonardo intends to build on this addition to its customer base within a NATO member state as it continues to market the platform internationally. The company is positioning the AW149 within the medium military helicopter segment as several countries pursue programmes to replace ageing utility and tactical transport helicopter fleets with multi-role platforms designed for long-term capability growth.

Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Erwan Halna du Fretay holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience studying conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in Security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.