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.
Pratt & Whitney F135 engine pictured during accelerated mission testing in 2021. (Photo: USAF/Jill Pickett)
Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) has issued a $769.87 million contract modification to Raytheon Technologies and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines in support of F135 engine requirements for the USAF, USMC, USN, FMS customers and ‘non-Department of Defense participants’, the DoD announced on 23 September.
The modification increases the contract ceiling to procure spare parts for the F135 propulsion system that powers the F-35 Lightning II aircraft.
Raytheon and Pratt & Whitney will also supply support equipment and depot lay-in material for the F-135.
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Work will be performed at seven US locations plus Bristol (UK) and Santa Isabel (Puerto Rico), for completion by December 2025.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the F135 delivers more than 40,000lb of thrust and is one of the most advanced engines in the world.
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.