Italy’s Guardia di Finanza has signed a contract with Leonardo for 22 AW169M twin engine helicopters. Valued at 280 million euros, the contract includes a comprehensive support and training package which could be further extended with optional services valued at a further 100 million euros. Deliveries are expected to start in summer 2019 and be completed by 2024.

The aircraft will be used to perform a range of roles including patrol and reconnaissance, law enforcement, rescue and homeland security, complementing a fleet of 14 AW139 intermediate twins, six of which are already in service with the following eight due to be delivered in 2019.

“This contract will allow us to deliver to the Guardia di Finanza a new generation helicopter with the best technologies available, to perform missions which are getting more and more complex and challenging," comments Leonardo CEO Alessandro Profumo. "Our ability to provide state-of-the-art products to meet the requirements of Italian government agencies and armed forces for the security of our nation, is the result of our leading edge technology and innovation."

The AW169Ms of Guardia di Finanza will receive a military qualification by the Italian Directorate of Air Armaments (ARMAEREO) and will feature a dedicated configuration including rescue hoist, emergency floatation system and life rafts, wire cutters, TCAS II, an NVG compatible cockpit, HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System), advanced communication system, OPLS (Obstacle Proximity Lidar System), advanced HUMS, AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System) with SAR modes, searchlight, ice detector, fast roping and satcom.

The contract for the AW169M by Guardia di Finanza follows the deployment of the AW169 type in emergency medical services with several operators across Italy.