Wildcat helicopter fabrication to remain in Britain, UK Ministry of Defense says

July 25 (UPI) -- The British Ministry of Defense announced on Monday that Leonardo will not be moving its fabrication work on the AW159 Wildcat helicopter out of the country.

Leonardo had been considering a move for the fabrication line used for the Wildcat from its facility in Yeovil, Britain. A joint analysis by the Ministry of Defense and Leonardo has confirmed, however, that the work will remain there for the life cycle of the Wildcat program.

"This work has not only helped sustain 40 of highly skilled jobs within the UK, but will act as a positive boost for the company and, through improved cost-effectiveness, their export customers," Harriett Baldwin, minister for defense procurement, said in a press release.

The AW159 Wildcat is an improved version of the Super Lynx battlefield utility helicopter. It is used by the British Royal Navy and British Army, and is suitable for light transport and cargo lift, search-and-rescue, and naval anti-surface and anti-submarine operations.

Britain currently has 62 of the helicopters in service.