Italy moves to procure third batch of 29 AW249 helicopters
The €1.22 billion (US$1.41 billion) follow-on order for the additional helicopters will complement the 19 AW249 already ordered by Italy.
MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft operated by the USMC. (Photo: USN/Petty Officer 3rd Class Patrick Gearhiser)
The Bell-Boeing JV on 6 January received a performance-based logistics deal worth up to $1.64 billion for the repair, replacement, required availability, configuration management, and inventory management for supply support for 228 V-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft.
The five-year contract from Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support covers MV-22B variants for the USMC plus CMV-22s for the USN and CV-22s for the USAF.
Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas (97%) and Ridley Park, to be finished by December 2026.
Osprey customers include the US (with 472 aircraft ordered) and Japan (with seven aircraft delivered out of a total order volume of 17).
 
                
                The €1.22 billion (US$1.41 billion) follow-on order for the additional helicopters will complement the 19 AW249 already ordered by Italy.
 
                
                During October 2025, several countries and organisations signalled their intention to acquire Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) or study the capability further while various new uncrewed helicopters were showcased, two of which were unveiled for the first time.
 
                
                The upgrades will work to strengthen the country’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities, with one more aircraft due to be delivered by 2026.
 
                
                The company has said it would assemble its Beechcraft M-346N aircraft at its east Wichita campus with significant investment placed to modernise the hub if it wins the contract.
 
                
                The 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.
 
                
                The memorandum of understanding signed also included a wider strategic plan to co-develop autonomous air systems for the Polish Armed Forces.