UK Defense Secretary Announces Plans To Upgrade Merlin And Apache Helicopters

More than a thousand engineering and manufacturing jobs across the UK have been secured by a multi-million-pound Ministry of Defense contract to upgrade 2 fleets of military helicopters – Merlins and Apaches.

A £430 million ($712 million) contract will provide maintenance and support for the British Army’s Apache attack helicopter, which is currently used on operations in Afghanistan, for the next 5 years. The additional £330 million ($547) investment will see the RAF’s Merlin Mk3/3a helicopters upgraded for use by the Royal Navy’s Commando Helicopter Force.

The expert work will be carried out by AgustaWestland and will sustain as many as 537 jobs within the company. A further 500 jobs will be protected at GE Aviation, General Dynamics, Selex ES and APPH Aviation Services.

While on a visit to AgustaWestland’s factory in Yeovil, UK Defense Secretary Philip Hammond met with apprentices who are working at the company and who will play an important role in the work on the helicopters.

"The UK defense industry makes an important contribution to the economy, generating revenue of over £22 billion each year, and its highly skilled workforce plays a crucial part in growing our economy," Hammond said. "This investment will help secure British jobs, providing security to thousands of workers and their families.

"This is also an important step in ensuring our armed forces have the best helicopters available, safeguarding the army’s attack helicopter capability and providing the Royal Navy and Royal Marines with an upgraded, modern Commando Helicopter Force.”

The 25 upgraded Merlin helicopters will replace the Sea King Mk4 helicopters, which go out of service in 2016. The work will involve fitting new glass cockpits and avionics, a folding main rotorhead and tail, and an improved undercarriage. The Merlins will be used to transport Royal Marines, vital supplies and cargo from sea to land.

The contract for the Apaches will provide operational support for the helicopters for the next 5 years, ensuring they are able to play a key role post-Afghanistan.

(Images provided by the UK MoD)

FMI: www.mod.uk