The Royal Navy’s Commando Merlin helicopters have reached full operating capability (FOC) following a major upgrade programme to enhance their amphibious strike role, according to a press release issued on 29 February 2025.
Under the £399 million Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP), 25 helicopters – 19 Mk3 and six Mk3a variants – were converted to Mk4/4a standard by Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) and industry partner Leonardo. The upgrades enable the aircraft to operate globally from Royal Navy vessels, supporting 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines in littoral strike missions.
Key modifications include a folding main rotor head and tail, allowing two helicopters to fit on a single carrier lift, and an advanced defensive aid suite to detect hostile laser-guided threats.
Captain Neil Mathieson RN, Merlin DT Team Leader at DE&S, stated: “The Mk4/Mk4a has been fully ‘ship optimised’ to operate efficiently from Royal Navy vessels. This includes significant changes such as a new avionics suite, aligned with the Mk2 cockpit, extending the platform’s service life to 2030.”
The helicopters, operated by the Commando Helicopter Force (CHF), are now cleared to deploy from aircraft carriers, Type 23 frigates, Type 45 destroyers, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships. The upgrades also introduced synthetic training systems at RNAS Yeovilton, featuring augmented reality simulators for pilots and rear crews.
Clive Scott, Senior Vice President of UK Business at Leonardo Helicopters, said: “Our Yeovil workforce is proud to deliver these upgrades, ensuring the UK’s operational independence. The AW101 remains a global benchmark, with exports to Japan, Italy, and Poland benefiting from continuous investment.”
The MLSP retrofits improve interoperability across Merlin variants, streamlining supply chains and maintenance. The CHF’s roles include search-and-rescue, counter-narcotics, and disaster relief, alongside supporting the Carrier Strike Group.
“according to a press release issued on 29 February 2025”
George: futurology?
Or is time flying faster than I realised?
Or we have entered the twilight zone… 29 Feb only occurs on a leap year so where are we… 🙂
I’ll me coat
Good news about the Merlins. I assume that’s relevant for the CSG 25. However, I wonder how the Wildcat upgrades are doing? Do all the Navy Wildcats have working tactical data links yet? And what about the Army Wildcat radars?
Keeping Merlin going is important because I don’t think we will ever see a true Puma replacement. So that will leave Chinook, Wildcat, and Merlin to do the transport work.
Culdrose must be breathing a sigh of relief 😌, 👌820nas. FlyNavy.🙃🕳️Btth.
Wrong part of the FAA mate!
As I’m sure you know.😉
Service life extended to 2030? Assume that should have read 2040
2030 atm, 2040 feasibility still in progress.
In her UK growth speech yesterday Rachel Reeves mentioned Airbus and investment in Flintshire. Puma replacement at Broughton?
Not likely airbus have already stated that for them the medium lift rotor contract was not viable and they wanted more money.. leonardo have said they will bid within the cost parameters, the 149 is it … its also a better rotor for that role.
As Jonathan has said.
I hope we go with a ‘marinized’ version of AW149.
Could the AW149 replace Merlin? It’s a much smaller aircraft.
Nope – completely different capability/role
No. Merlin is a class bigger. I remember the first time I saw one on Ocean’s flightdeck I wondered why the ship wasn’t healing to starboard. They are a big ‘un!
That’s interesting, why do you ask that?
Depends on lift capability as well puma can undersling a 105mm light gun
No!!!