With a new £300m contract given to Safran Helicopter Engines UK, the Royal Navy’s fleet of Merlin helicopters is all set to see increased availability and operational efficiency. Thus, ensuring a sustained capability for maritime roles.

Set to span six years and extend to 2030. Included in this partnership is to deliver nonstop support for the RTM322 engines powering the Merlin helicopters.

While the main focus of the contract is to optimize the Merlin helicopters’ availability, Minister for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge said the role these aircraft play in safeguarding global deployments.

Merlin Helicopters Key for Long-term Plans

“The versatile Merlin has been a workhorse for the Royal Navy for years, protecting and supporting global deployments. This new support contract will increase the mission availability of the Merlin so it can continue hunting submarines, conducting maritime patrols, ferrying troops, and evacuating casualties.”

As per the data of GlobalData’s intelligence on the UK defence market, the Merlin helicopter can be used from the Type 26 frigate and the future Fleet Solid Support (FSS) Ships’ auxiliary vessels.

Keith Bethell, Director of Helicopters at Defence Equipment and Support. Thus, underscored Safran’s contribution to keeping up the operational efficiency of the RTM322 engine. Over the years, the Merlin has proved to be an outstandingly great asset to the armed forces, and Safran’s expertise has played a part in that success through meticulous support for the RTM322 engine.”