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.
Hensoldt Sensors announced on 28 July that it is supplying the third generation of its Spexer 2000 3D radar to system integrator Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, for inclusion in a C-UAS system based on the Protector RWS.
Protector and Spexer 2000 will be mounted on an armoured GTK Boxer vehicle.
Ten systems will be supplied initially, with deliveries to begin in late 2020.
The C-UAS system will be ready by 2023 for use by German elements in the NATO Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF).
Originally developed for border surveillance and security applications against asymmetric threats, Spexer 2000 can detect, track and classify small and slowly moving objects from pedestrians to guided missiles.
The latest-generation system demonstrated ‘outstanding classification performance’ of small UAVs during recent tests, Hensoldt claimed.
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.
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 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.
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.