A Somerset helicopter manufacturer has been awarded a £27 million contract to supply essential spares for the entire UK fixed-wing and rotary-wing military fleet. The three-year agreement, with options extending to seven years, was secured by Leonardo, the Italian-headquartered company that operates the UK's last helicopter plant in Yeovil.
Contract details and aircraft covered
The Aircraft Consumables Commodities (ACC) contract, signed with the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, part of the Ministry of Defence, will sustain defence aviation for up to seven years and support 75 jobs across the industry. The agreement ensures a steady supply of necessary spares, ranging from blind rivets and washers to cable ties and face masks, all critical for keeping aircraft operational and battle-ready.
Aircraft covered include Typhoon fighter jets, Apache and Chinook helicopters, as well as A400M and C-17 transport aircraft. Many of these are currently deployed in support of live operations in the Middle East.
Official statements
Defence minister Luke Pollard MP said: "This investment will be crucial in maintaining the military aircraft that keep the UK safe at home and secure abroad, from defending NATO’s airspace from the Russian drone threat to protecting British citizens and partners in the Middle East."
Lisa Thorne, NAD head of support capabilities and commodities, added: "This contract provides vital services across multiple air platforms, ensuring operational readiness and enhanced capability for our forces."
David Arrowsmith, vice president support and service solutions UK at Leonardo, said: "By taking ownership of the full supply chain, from forecasting and procurement through to obsolescence management, we are best placed to provide the MoD with the responsiveness and efficiency that modern defence operations demand."
Leonardo's role and impact
Under the contract, Leonardo will take responsibility for spares modelling and forecasting, proactive maintenance, stock procurement, and obsolescence management. Notably, equipment will be managed at depot level rather than supplying individual units directly, marking a change from previous arrangements.
Leonardo's Somerset base, an aerospace hub for over 100 years, manufactures helicopters for civil use such as search and rescue, but the MoD remains its most important customer. The site employs thousands of people directly and within its supply chain.
