The UK Ministry of Defense has signed a £165 million contract extension with defense firm Leonardo for maintenance of the Royal Navy’s fleet of 54 Merlin helicopters.
Thirty Merlin Mk2 maritime patrol helicopters and 24 Mk4/Mk4A amphibious lift aircraft used to transport Royal Marines are covered in the two-year extension of the Integrated Merlin Operational Support contract. Leonardo is the prime contractor for the expert maintenance, with Lockheed Martin and Serco appointed as key subcontractors.
According to the Royal Navy, this means the helicopters will get continued deep maintenance, supply of spares, aircrew and maintainer training, and technical support service.
Armed with Sting-Ray torpedoes and M3M.50 caliber machine guns, the Mk2 helicopters support the Royal Navy with anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare operations, as well as using their powerful radars high above the navy’s Carrier Strike Groups for airborne surveillance and control.
Meanwhile, the Mk4/4A fleet provides troop transport, and casualty evacuation, and can carry under-slung loads of up to 3.8 tonnes. It is the only troop-carrying helicopter in the UK that specializes in Arctic and desert operations—they deploy annually to the harsh environments of northern Norway, it was highlighted.
Both variants can carry out secondary roles such as search and rescue.
These aircraft were recently deployed on Operation CLOCKWORK in Norway, which involved the training of Commando Helicopter Force air and ground crew, and will participate in the upcoming Carrier Strike Group (CSG25) deployment.
“We are pleased to continue our successful partnership with Leonardo Helicopters in ensuring that the Royal Navy’s fleet of Merlin helicopters remain in optimal condition. This contract extension will strengthen our ongoing collaboration and contribute to the security and economic growth of our nation, whilst ensuring high levels of aircraft availability and sustaining highly skilled jobs across the UK,” Mark Langrill , DE&S Director Rotary Wing and Uncrewed Air Systems, said.
“This investment demonstrates our unwavering commitment to maintaining cutting-edge defence capabilities that keep us safe, while utilising defence as an engine for economic growth, supporting 1,000 well-paid jobs across the UK,” Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle , added.
The deal contributes to the Government’s commitment to secure Britain’s future through the Plan for Change, which is delivering security and renewal by kick-starting economic growth.
To remind, in February this year, Leonardo revealed that the upgrades enabling Royal Navy Commando Merlin helicopters to embark in and operate from vessels anywhere in the world in support of the 3 Commando Brigade have achieved full operating capability (FOC).