Italian Army AW249 Ordered

Italy AW249 Fenice order total reached 17 aircraft, funded through successive tranches, against a stated Italian Army requirement of around 48. The AW249 is being developed by Leonardo to replace the A129 Mangusta, of which only a portion of the original fleet remained operational, and shares engines and much of its drivetrain with the AW149 transport helicopter. Flight testing had progressed with several prototypes since the maiden flight in August 2022, and Leonardo is positioning the type as a European alternative to the AH-64E for export customers.