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.
The US State Department has approved a possible FMS for equipment and services to extend the service life of the Hawker RC-800 Peace Krypton reconnaissance aircraft in service with the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF).
If the FMS is approved Lockheed Martin will be the prime contractor on the $250 million deal, which includes ground system modernisation work and upgrades to the Joint Mission Planning System (JMPS).
Lockheed Martin was the previous contractor for Peace Krypton support, but that contract expired in December 2019.
Four Peace Krypton aircraft are in service with the ROKAF but these refurbished twin-jet corporate aircraft are showing their age, as they were bought in 1996. With this in mind, the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration plans to spend KRW870 billion on buying two Baekdu-II Falcon 2000S SIGINT and reconnaissance aircraft for the ROKAF by 2026.
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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.