The Royal Navy’s upgraded Commando Merlin helicopter has been declared fully operational.
The declaration allows the fleet of 25 aircraft to embark on and operate from vessels anywhere in the world in support of the 3 Commando Brigade of the Royal Marines.
A total of 19 Mk3 and six Mk3a Commando Merlins were earlier upgraded to a ship-optimized Mk4/4a standard by the Italian firm Leonardo under the Merlin Life Sustainment Programme.
“The key difference between the Mk3/Mk3a and the new variant is the fact that the Mk4/Mk4a has been fully ‘ship optimised’ to allow it to embark and more efficiently operate from Royal Navy vessels,” Royal Navy Capt Neil Mathieson explained.
“This means that the Mk4/Mk4a aircraft are globally deployable for all maritime operations.”
Life Sustainment Program
The Merlin Life Sustainment Programme extended the aircraft’s service life to 2030 and upgraded them with features such as a mission planning system and type-leading synthetic training equipment for pilot training.
The upgraded aircraft features a folding main rotor head and folding tail, allowing them to operate from the two Royal Navy aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships, Type 23 frigates, and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels.
Also part of the upgrade is an improved defensive aid suite to warn against and locate hostile laser guided weapons.

Optimized for Amphibious Operation
They will be able to take part in littoral maneuvers, a term used for amphibious operations in which both air and surface craft are launched from a ship.
The aircraft can take off from the ship’s deck for a land operation and return back.
The upgraded helicopters were handed over from Leonardo’s site in Yeovil in southern England.
“Decades of investment in the site have ensured that we have the highly-specialised design skills onshore, meaning we can modify helicopters to UK specifications and help preserve our nation’s Freedom of Action and Operational Independence,” SVP UK Business at Leonardo Helicopters UK Clive Scott said.
“The AW101 sets the standard for maritime operations and, as well as being one of the UK Armed Forces’ core helicopters, has been acquired by allies including Japan, Italy and Poland.
“Our export customers benefit from continuous investment in the platform, as well as their ability to interoperate with the Royal Navy.”