Just weeks after the shock news that the Wildcat AH1 would be withdrawn from service, Leonardo spoke at Farnborough International Airshow about its belief in the future of both the Wildcat and Merlin platforms.
Still ‘digesting’ the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) released on Jun. 30, 2026, Leonardo Helicopters UK Managing Director Nigel Colman says the firm is working with the Ministry of Defence to understand fully how Leonardo can best support the MoD’s ambitions for the future of the British military.
With the drawdown of Wildcat AH1 in UK service due to commence from next year, Leonardo says it is still awaiting to hear the exact details as to how this process will be completed. At present, no more specific timeline has been made available, nor have any details as to what might happen to the retired airframes.
Leonardo says the “incredibly capable” Wildcat AH1s would, in theory, be good candidates for further use by other operators, or even as candidates for conversion into uncrewed helicopters, with “lots of service life left”. The company has not been made specifically aware of whether the drawdown will also affect the AH1s operated by the Royal Marines, though it is expected that it will.
Wildcat HMA2 is expected to continue in service well into the next decade, quashing suggestions based on the DIP that it too is on the chopping block. While the DIP committed to replacing Wildcat HMA2 with uncrewed alternatives, no timeline was set for this proposal, and it should be treated more as a long-term ambition than as current planning. The HMA2 continues to mature in operational service, now offering a considerable capability with its Martlet and Sea Venom missiles.
The future of rotary aviation, Leonardo says, will be achieved by combining crewed and uncrewed capabilities. This leaves room for new developments like Proteus, now with its funding renewed, alongside ongoing programs like the Wildcat, Merlin, and even Lynx. While the Lynx has long been out of production, Leonardo continues to support upgrades for existing operators.
Last month, Leonardo delivered the fifth Brazilian Navy 🇧🇷 upgraded Super Lynx Mk21B. Eight helicopters will be modernized at Yeovil facilities in UK 🇬🇧.@LDO_Helicopters @Leonardo_UK #WestlandLynx #Lynx #LynxHelicopter #SuperLynx #WildLynx #Helicopters #AvGeek #avgeeks pic.twitter.com/AS64Lt4q41
— Guilherme Wiltgen 🇧🇷 🇱🇺 (@GuiWiltgen) June 1, 2023
AW101 Merlin
For Merlin, which has been in production since the 1990s, Leonardo hopes for continued success. The first flight of an upgraded Merlin – locally designated CH-149 Cormorant – for Canada took place at the firm’s Yeovil airfield in June. Meanwhile, a decision from Norway on its plans for a new anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter are expected in the next 12 months.
Leonardo, and many others, believe that the Merlin is the ideal candidate for this requirement. Not only is the maritime variant Merlin one of the most highly regarded ASW helicopters in the world, but it would link perfectly with Norway’s future Type 26 frigate fleet.
.@HMSStAlbans has has arrived in 🇳🇴Oslo.
Norwegian Minister of Defence flown on board by Merlin helicopter ahead of arrival. pic.twitter.com/TN7NmfBLo1
— Navy Lookout (@NavyLookout) May 7, 2025
As the Royal Navy’s future ASW frigate, Type 26 has been designed from the ground up to accommodate and work alongside Merlin helicopters, and the operation of Merlin would further reinforce the UK-Norway concept of a unified, ‘interchangeable’ ASW force in the North Atlantic.
Norway itself is also no stranger to the AW101 platform, already operating the aircraft to great effect in the search and rescue (SAR) role.
No discussions have taken place around the potential for additional UK Merlins alongside any Norwegian order, though Leonardo would be open to such a deal. It was noted by those in the briefing room that should Norway procure Merlins it would be purchasing an aircraft type that have already been in frontline UK service for over two decades.
Colman, formerly a Royal Air Force Merlin pilot, noted that there are obsolescence issues among the UK Merlin fleet. This will be rectified to some degree by a life-extension program, though what will and will not be included in this upgrade is still being assessed alongside the MoD. £1.6 billion was allocated to sustain Merlin HM2 and HC4/HC4A into the future by the DIP.
Yeovil
After a rocky road awaiting the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) AW149 contract, Leonardo now appears confident in the future of its Yeovil plant. UK and overseas orders are expected to sustain the factory for years to come, making sure Yeovil continues as the home of British helicopter manufacturing as well as a centre of excellence in autonomous capabilities.
It was, notably, however ruled out that Yeovil could play a part in offering Leonardo’s jet trainer aircraft for the Royal Air Force. The lack of a paved runway was already one major barrier in the location’s involvement, but even in terms of parts production the focus appears to very much be on helicopters and not on jet aircraft.
