Yeovil secures international deal to upgrade search and rescue helicopters
The deal was secured through Leonardo's UK site at Yeovil
Last updated 23rd Dec 2022
The Leonardo site in Yeovil has secured a huge contract with the Canadian Department of National Defence to upgrade 16 helicopters.
The deal, worth $1 billion CAN , or €690 million, involves 13 AW101/CH-149 “Cormorant” search and rescue helicopters and the augmentation of a further three aircraft.
A spokesperson for the Somerset site said: "This contract will enhance the aircraft’s systems and technologies, ensure compliance with emerging airspace requirements, extend the life expectancy of the fleet to 2042 plus and enable the return of Cormorant helicopters to the Main Operating Base at Trenton."
Alessandro Profumo, Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo, added: "With the Cormorant helicopter the Government is getting the right equipment for the Canadian Forces, at the best price for Canadians, with the right benefits for Canadian industry.”
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, said: "The CMLU programme through Team Cormorant will reduce the cost of fleet ownership, while further increasing reliability, capability and safety for Canadian people.”
Anita Anand, Canadian Minister of National Defence said: “The top item in my mandate letter from the Prime Minister is to ensure that the Canadian Armed Forces has the capabilities, equipment and culture needed to implement the objectives in our Defence Policy.
"The CH-149 Cormorant helicopter is a critical asset for search and rescue operations in Canada – and these contracts provide the best solution for Canada to upgrade its fleet and provide the accompanying training tools to our aviators so that they can continue to keep Canadians safe – now, and in the years to come.”
The programme will be executed by Team Cormorant led by Leonardo and comprising IMP Aerospace and Defence, GE Canada and Collins Aerospace Canada.