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Leonardo Expands Italian Army’s AW-249 Combat Helicopter Fleet

June 1, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Leonardo in talks to expand Italian Army's AW-249 fleet.
17 units to be delivered by 2028.
AW-249 to replace aging AW-129 fleet.
Helicopter designed for crewed-uncrewed teaming.

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Strategic Implications

Leonardo's expansion may signal growing demand for advanced combat helicopters in Europe. The AW-249's crewed-uncrewed teaming capabilities could indicate a shift towards more integrated and autonomous systems, which may enhance the Italian Army's operational effectiveness and could set a precedent for future European defense procurements.

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What Happened

Italian Defense Ministry In Advanced Talks For Ambitious Production

Leonardo and the Italian Ministry of Defense are in advanced talks to expand the Italian Army’s AW-249 combat helicopter fleet. The company aims to produce and deliver 17 units by 2028, with the AW-249 envisioned as a command node in a crewed-uncrewed teaming network. The helicopter has entered the final stage of capability qualification and is being developed as a replacement for the country’s aging AW-129 fleet. According to company officials, the AW-249 is designed to work with multiple drones and has been displayed alongside several European-made armaments at the Berlin Air Show. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.

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