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IAF to receive new training helicopters

20th February 2019 - 08:30 GMT | by Shephard News Team

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Israel’s MoD has signed an agreement with its Italian counterpart to procure seven AW119Kx training helicopters, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) announced on 17 February.

The helicopters will gradually replace the IAF’s current Saifan (Bell 206) training helicopter, which has been in service since the 1970s. The new helicopters will be operated at the Flight Academy in Hatzerim Air Force Base.

According to the agreement, Israel’s MoD will purchase seven AW119Kx helicopters in a deal that will see the Italian MoD purchase an equivalent value of Israeli military technology. The helicopters will be manufactured by Leonardo.

The company has also manufactured the Lavi (M-346) trainer aircraft. As part of the Lavi agreement signed in 2011, 30 trainer aircraft were purchased. In exchange, Italy purchased an equivalent value of Israeli aerospace technology, including satellites and surveillance aircraft.