The Austrian Ministry of Defence’s AW169M LUH helicopter initiative achieved a significant landmark today with the transfer of the first aircraft from an initial contract of 18 units, established under the Italy-Austria Government-to-Government (G2G) Agreement announced by the relevant authorities at the close of 2021. The delivery of the aircraft, manufactured at Leonardo’s Vergiate facility in Italy, was accomplished in compliance with the contractual obligations and conducted during an official ceremony at the Tulln-Langenlebarn Brumowski Air Base, attended by Leonardo’s executive management. Austria and Italy also revealed today a G2G Agreement amendment through which Austria is opting for an additional 18 helicopters, further demonstrating its confidence in the chosen platform.
The Italy-Austria G2G initiative is designed to enhance the bilateral cooperation between the two nations and to forge a strategic alliance in the rotorcraft domain, with Austria viewing Italy and the AW169M LUH programme as pivotal in its modernization strategy and the replacement of its aging Alouette III aircraft fleet, which has been operational since the 1960s.
The transfer of the first aircraft signifies a substantial advancement for Austria, inaugurating a new chapter in national defence and emergency response capabilities. Additionally, it also symbolizes a crucial milestone for Leonardo, marking the inaugural delivery to the export market of the AW169M variant, under the G2G programme. Austrian personnel have already begun utilizing initial training provided at Leonardo’s Training Academy in Sesto Calende (Italy) and will be bolstered by the Italian Army’s educational resources as an AW169M LUH operator.
The AW169M LUH, with its exceptional performance and unparalleled latest-generation capabilities, alongside comprehensive support and training services for executing true multirole operations, is the most sophisticated and economically viable solution to fulfill the demanding needs of the operator. The AW169M LUHs will undertake a diverse array of missions supporting Austrian defence demands and the national community, including troop transport, combat missions, disaster relief and emergency response, firefighting, mountain rescue, and MEDEVAC.
Alessandro Profumo, Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo, stated: “It fills us with pride to witness the first AW169M LUH here in Austria, and we embrace the decision to further augment the fleet. We are eager to provide an even greater contribution with the most advanced and cost-efficient solution to fulfill the stringent requirements established by the collaboration between the two governments. We’re dedicated to supporting this significant and expanding programme.”
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, remarked: “The progression of this programme and the handover of the first aircraft according to the delivery timeline is the outcome of remarkable cooperation among all involved parties. We are confident that the exceptional technology, performance, multirole capabilities, and comprehensive services of this model will greatly enhance national defence and emergency response, particularly with today’s decision to depend on an even larger fleet in the future.”
