The United Kingdom will sign the£1 billion defence contract with Leonardo today, crucial for the survival of the last military helicopter production site in the country. The Financial Times writes.

Treasury officials, reports the newspaper, said that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is approving the order for the new combat helicopters to secure jobs and investment. Under the contract, the FT writes, Leonardo will build medium-range military helicopters at the Yeovil site to replace the old Pumas used for decades by the Royal Air Force.