Leonardo AW249 meeting modern operational requirements

The only next-generation combat helicopter in development today, the AW249 is introducing latest capabilities for the next 30 years of operations

Building on the industrial, support and operational experience logged over the last 40 years in the field of combat helicopters, combined with unique in-house system integration capabilities in the military helicopter sector, Leonardo launched the development of the AW249 twin engine medium class helicopter to respond to the Italian Army’s requirement for an ideal replacement to its proven AW129. The AW249 is the only next-generation helicopter in its class under development today. 

The new program, announced in early 2017, foresees the development of a new exploration and escort helicopter (NEES), designated the AW249, to replace the current fleet of AW129s, which are nearing their service life ending and are expected to start being retired after 2025 following over 35 years in operations in a variety of extremely demanding environmental, weather and mission conditions protecting troops on the ground and transport/utility helicopters in flight. The AW249 will allow the Italian Army to introduce an even more technologically advanced product, with greater performance, high survivability and lower operating costs, to meet arising needs in evolving scenarios for the next 30 years.