The Italian Ministry of Defence has invested in new Leonardo AW249 attack helicopters, confirming orders for 17, with plans to acquire up to 48 units.
The new order is intended to replace the ministry’s aging fleet of A129 Mangusta.
The AW249 is Leonardo’s next-generation combat helicopter designed to operate in the challenging modern battlefield scenarios to provide mission effectiveness.
Leonardo has so far produced four AW249 attack helicopters, including one prototype and three pre-production units, according to Italian defense outlet RID. These four units will not enter active service but will remain with Leonardo and the Italian Army for continued testing and integration of new weapons and systems.
The AW249 helicopter complies with the most rigorous safety requirements of the European Defence Agency, NATO and EASA standards, ensuring high safety and survivability
The AW249 is powered by a pair of GE Aviation CT7-8E6 (T700) turbofan engines with a capacity of 2500 hp (1860 kW) each, and also contains components from the AW149 transport helicopter.
RID said that deliveries of the AW249 to the Italian Ministry of Defence will begin by 2027.
