Italian Air Force receives first HH-139B helicopter
The delivery of the HH139B will enhance the Italian Air Force’s emergency response and homeland security capabilities.
Leonardo announced on 3 December the recent delivery of the first HH-139B twin engine helicopter to the Italian Air Force.
A customised variant of the AW139 platform, the aircraft is the first of 17 HH-139Bs and deliveries are expected to be completed by 2021.
The helicopter will be operated by the Italian Air Force’s 15th Wing which is in charge of SAR duties and supports the country in the event of disaster relief operations.
The HH-139Bs join an existing fleet of 13 multirole HH-139As and four VH-139As, with the latter used for government transport missions.
Compared to the HH-139A, the 7-tonne HH-139B variant features new electro-optics, new radar, a new rescue hoist and a mission console in the cabin. Core avionics will feature the Phase 8 software release allowing for safer all-weather navigation and mission capabilities.
Each aircraft can be quickly reconfigured from SAR to MEDEVAC or fire-fighting.
According to Leonardo, this latest Italian Air Force programme brings the total number of AW139s chosen by Italian government operators to nearly 80.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon]()
World Defense Show 2026: L3Harris to achieve full-rate production of Viper Shield soon
L3Harris has completed the production candidate software load for its Viper Shield airborne electronic warfare system and is conducting sea trials with its VAMPIRE counter-drone system.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: CCA manufacturers eye growing opportunities in Asia-Pacific]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: CCA manufacturers eye growing opportunities in Asia-Pacific
Companies offering collaborative combat aircraft say there is a massive potential for countries adopting the capability in the Asia-Pacific region.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Airbus-RSAF H225M teaming tests point to future scalability
The tests between a Republic of Singapore Air Force H225M and Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system were designed to allow the crew to receive and process real-time data from the UAS while maintaining direct command and control.
-
![Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight]()
Singapore Airshow 2026: Saab eyes “share” in future fighter market, targets 2027 CCA demo flight
The Swedish government is expected to make a decision on the next steps of the Future Fighter System Concept programme by 2030, with the current second phase focusing on technology knowledge expansion and demonstration flights.
-
![Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities]()
Singapore Airshow: Red Cat ramps up portfolio development amid “key” APAC opportunities
In the wake of its 1,842% year-on-year revenue increase in Q4 2025, Red Cat sees mass opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region as the company eyes an ongoing production increase and market growth.
