Austria Secures 18 Leonardo AW169M Helicopters
The Austrian Ministry of Defense has officially decided to procure 18 state-of-the-art Leonardo AW169M helicopters in a joint effort with Italy, amounting to an investment of approximately 300 million euros.
Investing in National Security
Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner emphasized the aircraft’s significance, stating, “This advanced helicopter will enhance the safety of our soldiers and the Austrian populace. Our commitment to national security is reflected in this investment.”
Modernizing the Fleet
The AW169M helicopters will replace the aging Alouette III light liaison and transport helicopters, which have been operational since 1967 and are scheduled for retirement by the end of 2023 due to technical limitations.
Powerful and Versatile Capabilities
The AW169M excels in mountainous terrains, featuring advanced avionics that enable night flights and operation under adverse weather conditions. These helicopters are equipped to undertake a diverse range of missions, including personnel transport, wildfire suppression, aerial reconnaissance, and more.
Enhancing Training Efficiency
Some of the new helicopters will serve dual purposes, notably for training. This will streamline training processes, allowing squadrons to focus more on operational tasks. In emergency scenarios, these training helicopters can quickly transition to operational roles.
Key Takeaways on the Acquisition
- The total investment for helicopter procurement is approximately €300 million, covering aircraft, technology, logistics, training, and infrastructure.
- Pricing for each AW169M helicopter ranges from €8 million to €15 million, depending on configurations and additional options.
- Though the AW169M is the most expensive option, a comprehensive evaluation of performance metrics like speed, payload capacity, and avionics makes it a wise choice.
- Austria opted against a competitive tender to prioritize partnership and cost-efficiency throughout the helicopter’s lifecycle, ensuring collaboration on training and logistics.
Strategic International Cooperation
The decision to select the AW169M stems from the valuable partnership forged with Italy. Following Italy’s acquisition of up to 100 AW169 helicopters, which meet Austria’s specifications, this procurement is part of a broader cooperative initiative.
Future Challenges and Deliveries
Contract negotiations are set to conclude in roughly six months, with helicopter production commencing thereafter. The first unit is expected to reach Austrian forces by mid-2022.
Operational Assignments
Out of the 18 AW169 helicopters, 12 will be used for emergency operations in Aigen/Ennstal, while the remaining six will function as training units at Langenlebarn.
Broader Defense Initiatives
Austria is also in the process of procuring three new Black Hawk helicopters, with the first delivery anticipated in the autumn of 2021. Additionally, the nation currently operates ten OH-58 light helicopters, slated for replacement by 2030.
Mission-Ready Equipment
The helicopters will be outfitted with various mission equipment packages, including automatic weapons, guided rockets, and advanced aerial reconnaissance systems. This flexibility allows for rapid adaptation to different operational requirements.
Cost Considerations
The reported flight hour costs for the AW169 hover around €1,300. It’s important to note that operating expenses may fluctuate, and close cooperation with partner organizations could lead to more efficient cost management per flight hour.
