Updated: Austria doubles down on Leonardo helicopter procurement
The AW169M can successfully perform a wide variety of roles, including troop transport, logistics support, reconnaissance, SAR and more. (Image: Leonardo)
Austria has formally finalised procurement of an additional 18 AW169 helicopters for multirole and training purposes from Italy.
The Italian Ministry of Defence previously announced in November that Austria had exercised an option to procure 18 more AW169 light utility helicopters from Italian manufacturer Leonardo Helicopters. A final contract was formally signed with Leonardo and the Italian National Armaments directorate on 19 January.
Six of the helicopters will be delivered in AW169B trainer configuration, while the remaining 12 will be in the AW169MA advanced multirole configuration.
The deal also covers spare parts, simulators, related training services and support for a period of three years.
The two nations previously signed a contract for 18 AW169s in December 2021, which was valued at €300 million ($349 million). That deal included an option for an additional 18 helicopters, which the partners have now exercised for $375 million.
The aircraft will replace Austria’s ageing fleet of 21 Aerospatiale Alouette IIIs that are being retired by 2023.
The first aircraft from the original order for 18 was delivered in December 2022. Deliveries of all 36 are scheduled to be completed by 2028, Leonardo said.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, AW169M is the customised military version of the multirole AW169. The 4.5t-class helicopter is designed to perform a range of light utility and armed attack roles, as well as observation and training missions. Italy is currently the only other confirmed customer for the type, with 22 on order for the country’s army.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Rafale AI trials highlight shift towards operational fighter testbeds]()
Rafale AI trials highlight shift towards operational fighter testbeds
Dassault’s latest Rafale trials join Gripen E and F-16 testing as developers explore how artificial intelligence could support and control combat aircraft.
-
![AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics]()
AFA 2026: US Air Force examines uncrewed cargo aircraft for contested logistics
The US Air Force is evaluating demonstrators for uncrewed cargo missions as it considers logistics requirements across the Pacific and other contested environments.
-
![Germany air focus: Europe’s leading near-term air market targets domestic industry]()
Germany air focus: Europe’s leading near-term air market targets domestic industry
Between 2026 and 2032, almost a quarter of EU aircraft spending is expected to come from Germany. While crewed programmes seek modernisation and replacement, uncrewed opportunities look to introduce entirely new capabilities, with both highlighting sovereignty and domestic production.
-
![Europe risks losing control of CUAS production capacity as manufacturers look abroad]()
Europe risks losing control of CUAS production capacity as manufacturers look abroad
European counter-drone developers are securing early orders in the Middle East while slow domestic acquisition processes threaten to redirect production capacity, expertise and investment away from Europe.
