Skip to main content
slide 2 of 3

UK’s Commando Merlin Helicopters Reach Full Capability for Littoral and Maritime Operations.


According to information published by Leonardo on January 29, 2025, the Royal Navy’s fleet of AW101 Commando Merlin helicopters has reached full operational capability (FOC) following an extensive upgrade program carried out by Leonardo in partnership with Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S). The upgrade transitions the fleet to the Mk4/Mk4A standard, enhancing its ability to conduct global maritime operations in support of the UK’s amphibious forces.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Upgraded and Mission-Ready: The Royal Navy’s Commando Merlin Mk4 helicopters achieve full operational capability. (Picture source: UK MoD)


This milestone marks the culmination of the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme (MLSP), which modernized 25 aircraft—comprising 19 Mk3 and six Mk3A variants—to extend their service life and optimize them for deployment aboard Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels. The modifications significantly enhance the Commando Helicopter Force’s (CHF) ability to support 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, a critical capability within the UK’s wider expeditionary and amphibious operations framework.

The upgraded helicopters feature a new folding main rotor head and folding tail, allowing more efficient storage and deployment from Royal Navy warships, including aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, and a range of escort and support vessels. These modifications enable two aircraft to fit on a single aircraft lift aboard Queen Elizabeth-class carriers, improving embarkation efficiency. Additionally, the aircraft have been equipped with an advanced defensive aids suite, including sensors that detect and locate hostile laser-guided threats, increasing survivability in contested environments.

A major aspect of the upgrade includes the integration of a new mission planning system, enabling crews to conduct advanced pre-mission preparation. The training infrastructure has also been significantly improved, with new synthetic training equipment installed at Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton. This includes two full-motion flight simulators, a procedural trainer, and a rear crew training device featuring augmented reality systems. The co-location of these assets with the CHF provides a more effective training pipeline, reducing the need for live flying hours and increasing overall operational readiness.

With FOC declared, the upgraded Commando Merlin fleet is fully capable of executing a wide range of operations, including air mobility support for amphibious forces, maritime security missions, counter-narcotics operations, and humanitarian assistance. The helicopters will also contribute to Carrier Strike Group deployments, further integrating the UK’s maritime aviation capabilities.

The completion of the MLSP not only enhances the operational reach of the Commando Helicopter Force but also ensures greater commonality across the broader Merlin fleet. The standardized cockpit and avionics suite improve maintenance efficiency, streamline logistics, and enhance interoperability with other UK and allied forces operating the AW101 platform. These upgrades extend the service life of the Mk4/Mk4A Merlin fleet into the next decade.


Copyright © 2019 - 2024 Army Recognition | Webdesign by Zzam