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Yeovil: Multi-million Wildcat deal secures 340 jobs

SAC Charlotte Hopkins RAF Wildcat helicopterSAC Charlotte Hopkins RAF
The contract will secure hundreds of jobs in Yeovil

A multi-million military helicopter contract that will sustain 340 jobs has been secured.

Helicopter manufacturer Leonardo will deliver the Wildcat helicopter support and training.

The £360m deal will provide "continuity of employment" for roles in Yeovil in maintenance, safety and training roles.

Defence Minister Jeremy Quin said it will also allow the vehicles to continue their integral role in helping with military operations.

SAC Laura Wing RAF Fleet of Wildcat helicoptersSAC Laura Wing RAF
The British Armed Forces use Wildcat helicopters in its military operations

"Wildcat helicopters play a vital role in supporting our Armed Forces through reconnaissance, protection and transport," he said.

"I am delighted they will continue to receive high-quality technical support and training from Leonardo UK."

Wildcat Helicopters are used in anti-submarine warfare and anti-surface warfare.

Leonardo said more than 70 of them have been delivered to battlefields and maritime military operators around the world, including the British Army and Royal Navy.

Cameron Groves
Mr Groves said he is proud of the work that he does to maintain the helicopters

Apprentice Cameron Groves helps to maintain the helicopters.

"It's pretty crazy to think that I've actually put in effort to build this as well. Seeing it fly above me every single day is pretty amazing," he said.

Leonardo Helicopters' managing director Nick Whitney said it will provide "continuity of employment" for "high end engineering roles".

"These are high end engineering roles that's vitally important to keep these roles in place so that were able to then continue the longer term design, development and build of new helicopters," he said.

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