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 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
-
BAE explores AI enhancements for Eurofighter Typhoon pilots
BAE is working with Swedish developer Avioniq to trial AI decision-making aids intended to protect the fighter jet against missiles and other beyond-visual-range threats.
-
Paris Air Show 2025: GA-ASI and Saab partner on AEW MQ-9B capability, demo to fly by 2026
The AEW capabilities are seen to slot into Saab’s wider AEW offering as a complementary extension to its portfolio, while augmenting the MQ-9B’s own range of uncrewed aircraft.
-
US lawmakers signal F-35 investment commitment of $10.7 billion in FY2026
Although it remains unclear how the US DoD has advanced in fixing issues with the F-35 programme, the multi-billion dollar fund has been included in the FY2026 defence bill.
-
Paris Air Show 2025: Teaming success for E-7 and MQ-28 as Ghost Bat targets Europe
Boeing has announced the successful flight trial of a MQ-28 Ghost Bat uncrewed aerial system (UAS) teaming with an E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft against an airborne target.
-
Paris Air Show 2025: GA-ASI unveils the PELE air-launched UAV
The air-launched PELE has been designed to extend the sensing capabilities of the MQ-9B and its user service through various payloads.
-
Paris Air Show 2025: Portugal signs for sixth C-390 Millennium aircraft with 10 options for future European acquisition
Portugal was the second country to purchase the C-390 Millennium aircraft for its air force, originally signing for five aircraft in 2019. This order marks the first time an operator has signed an additional order for the C-390.