World · 27 February 2026
Rachel Reeves approves £1bn helicopter factory deal
Government is expected to confirm a £1bn defence helicopter contract for Leonardo's Yeovil plant on Friday. The deal for 23 military helicopters faced uncertainty, with its tender set to expire on March 1. The Prime Minister and Chancellor Rachel Reeves personally intervened to finalize the arrangement, guaranteeing 3,000 positions at the manufacturing plant. Leonardo's chief executive had cautioned the plant faced an uncertain future without the agreement.
Reported by BBC · How we write briefs