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The prime has been awarded a contract to deliver a fleet of the twin-engine helicopters to Austria.
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Leonardo has signed an acquisition contract with the Italian Secretariat General of Defence/National Armaments Directorate for the delivery of AW169M LUH helicopters to Austria for an estimated €346 million ($548.1 million).
The agreement forms part of the Italy-Austria G2G Agreement, aimed at bolstering bilateral collaboration between the two countries and establishing a strategic partnership in the rotorcraft space.
The contract includes the delivery of 18 AW169M LUH aircraft, including six training variant helicopters, 12 advance multirole variant helicopters and a support and training package.
The helicopters are expected to be deployed for troop transport, combat operations, disaster relief and emergency response, fire-fighting, mountain rescue and MEDEVAC missions.
The aircraft are set to be developed in Leonardo’s Vergiate final assembly plant in Northern Italy, with the first AW169M LUH scheduled for delivery later this year and FOC expected in 2026.
The contract includes options for a further 18 helicopters.
“We look forward to providing our contribution to this important G2G programme with the most technologically advanced and cost-effective solution,” Leonardo CEO Alessandro Profumo said.
This is an addition to over 300 AW169s helicopters delivered to customers around the world, accruing more than 100,000 flight hours.
Gian Piero Cutillo, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters, added: “This contract is further testament to the superior performance, unmatched latest generation capabilities and the complete support and training solutions of the AW169M to perform true multirole operations, meeting the most demanding needs of operators and for their personnel’s effectiveness and safety.
“The type will ensure a significant leap forward for national defence and emergency response in Austria.”
[Related: Leonardo, Northrop Grumman announce UAS collaboration]
