Leonardo delivers first upgraded Lynx Mk95A to Portugal
The Lynx is a twin-engine, light utility helicopter developed from 1968 by Westland (now Leonardo). (Photo: Leonardo)
Leonardo completes the delivery of the first upgraded Lynx Mk95A to Montijo, Portugal
Leonardo has crossed a significant benchmark in its modernisation of Portugal’s helicopter fleet with the delivery of the first upgraded Lynx Mk95A.
The modernisation programme provides new engines, a new cockpit and the Tactical Air Navigation Systems to the helicopters, enabling the Portuguese Navy to undertake missions safely and effectively.
At the heart of the programme is the new avionics core, based on the AW159, including new Integrated Display Units as well as a Tactical Processor.
The Tactical Processor integrates new and legacy mission systems to provide a greater level of service capability to its customer base.
The Portuguese Navy has been operating the Lynx for three decades and the modernisation programme will see the upgraded aircraft in service into the 2030s
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the Portuguese Navy first awarded Leonardo a $75million contract to upgrade its Lynx helicopters in July 2016.
The helicopters are equipped with new LHTEC CTS800-4N turboshafts, the result of the LHTEC partnership between Honeywell and Rolls-Royce
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo plans to fly uncrewed fighters alongside M-346 aircraft by mid-2026]()
Leonardo plans to fly uncrewed fighters alongside M-346 aircraft by mid-2026
The two uncrewed fighter aircraft will be made in conjunction with Baykar, which joined forces with Leonardo under LBA Systems in June 2025 to develop and produce uncrewed aerial systems for the international market.
-
![UK firm Skycutter comes out top in first US Drone Dominance Program competition]()
UK firm Skycutter comes out top in first US Drone Dominance Program competition
The startup was the only UK company to take part in the first Gauntlet for the programme, joining forces with its Ukraine partner to participate in the event.
-
![US plans to raise defence production by 300% but multiple uncertainties remain]()
US plans to raise defence production by 300% but multiple uncertainties remain
The strategy, schedule and budget to support Washington’s intention to speed up the manufacturing of defence capabilities remain unclear.
-
![Switzerland faces procurement shake-up with reduced F-35 buy and five-year Patriot delays]()
Switzerland faces procurement shake-up with reduced F-35 buy and five-year Patriot delays
The reduction in the number of planned F-35A aircraft from 36 to 30 by the Swiss government comes due to budget constraints, with no firm plans to fill the gap despite “negative consequences”.
-
![What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?]()
What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?
The USAF plans to phase out its 162 in-operation A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs by the end of FY2026, replacing them with F-35As which will bring a leap in capabilities in terms of lethality, survivability and speed.
