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)
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
- 
                
                    ![October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiled]()  October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiledDuring October 2025, several countries and organisations signalled their intention to acquire loyal wingman uncrewed aircraft systems — designated by the US Air Force as Collaborative Combat Aircraft — or to study the capability further, while various new uncrewed helicopters were showcased. 
- 
                
                    ![Australia starts upgrade programme for P-8A Poseidon fleet]()  Australia starts upgrade programme for P-8A Poseidon fleetThe upgrades will work to strengthen the country’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities, with one more aircraft due to be delivered by 2026. 
- 
                
                    ![Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirement]()  Airbus to position Eurofighter Typhoon for Portugal’s F-16 replacement requirementThe MoU with AED Cluster Portugal will see the two organisations work together on studies to create a pitch to replace the country’s current F-16 fleet. 
- 
                
                    ![PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missile]()  PGZ and Anduril to work on Polish variant of Barracuda-500M missileThe memorandum of understanding signed also included a wider strategic plan to co-develop autonomous air systems for the Polish Armed Forces. 
 
         
         
                         
                         
                         
                         
                         
         
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                