Dominique Stump
Lockheed Martin has delivered a 30th updated Merlin Mk2 helicopter to the U.K.’s military during a ceremony at a Leonardo facility in Yeovil, England.
The delivery was part of a $985.2 million contract that required 30 Mk1 helicopters to be upgraded in support of the British navy, the company said Thursday.
Each helicopter contains new radars, sonar systems, infrared cameras and large flat, panel displays designed to provide situational awareness to pilots.
Lockheed worked with Leonardo staff to design, develop and manufacture the helicopters under the Merlin Capability Sustainment Program for the past decade.
Merlin will continue to support the U.K. defense and will be part of future aircraft carrier services, said Bob Kramer, Lockheed U.K. integrated systems vice president.
The MK2s were used to rescue migrants in the Mediterranean Sea and during operations in Sierra Leone.
