Leonardo S.p.A. the Anglo-Italian multinational, announced today that the Portuguese Ministry of Defence has chosen the AW119Kx as its new multi-role single engine helicopter. This order is a result of a tendering process, launched in May 2017, that elicited applications from Leonardo and Airbus Defence and Space SAS, based in Toulouse, France.
The Portuguese Air Force is due to take delivery of five new aircraft with an option for a further two.
Deliveries are to start in late 2018 from Leonardo’s plant in Philadelphia, USA, with completion of deliveries by early 2020.
The contract awarded by the Portuguese MoD is valued in excess of €20 million. The AW119Kx helicopters will be used to perform a wide range of roles including training, MEDEVAC, troop transport and short range maritime search and rescue and may also be used for firefighting operations.
This selection reinforces a long-standing partnership between Leonardo and the Portuguese Ministry of Defence in the helicopter sector following earlier orders of AW101s for long-range Search and Rescue, personnel recovery and fishery protection missions and of Super Lynx aircraft to the Portuguese Navy for maritime duties.
The AW119Kx will replace the current Portuguese Air Force fleet of ageing single engine rotary wing aircraft, as well offering training for crews before moving to the Super Lynx and other frontline helicopters.
The Air Force is due to take over airborne firefighting responsibilities from the National Civil Protection Authority and is re-equipping to ensure a more modern fleet is available. In the meantime, a mixture of Forces helicopters and hired units will supply cover during next year's summer season.
As for the six Russian-built Kamov helicopters purchased by the government at vast expense, in a deal reeking of corruption, the Air Force will be keen to see them scrapped and new, more able helicopters take their place over the next two years.
See also: 'Portuguese Air Force short of fire fighting helicopters' 26 October 2017
Augusta-Westland AW119Kx helicopter, officially launched in October 2012
