The contract, from the Ministry of Defence, means Agusta Westland will be responsible for on-site support to Search and Rescue sites.

Staff at RNAS Yeovilton will take on component maintenance as part of the five-year contract.

Sea King helicopters are a key workhorse of the UK Armed Forces.

Minister for Defence Equipment and Support Baroness Taylor said: ""This contract provides a much more efficient way of doing business and savings of over �90m in the next 12 years are expected, representing good value for British taxpayers.

"Most importantly there will be no reduction in performance or service provided."