With the acquisition, Buenos Aires aims to support naval patrol operations in its jurisdictional maritime spaces
Argentinian Defence Minister Jorge Taiana has signed a letter of intent to buy eight AW109M lightweight helicopters from Leonardo for the Argentinian Army and Navy and the Joint Maritime Command during a visit to Italy last week. The purchase aims to support naval patrol operations in Buenos Aires’ jurisdictional maritime spaces, as the system can suit the OPV oceanic patrol vessels.
The AW109 multipurpose helicopter is a light twin-engine helicopter that can be configured to fulfil various missions, such as for surveillance and Emergency Medical Services and Search and Rescue (SAR). It can accommodate a pilot, co-pilot, and six personnel and can operate for three hours for a range of about 574 kilometres.
“In Argentina, our ocean patrol vessels need light helicopters which can fit into the hangars of the OPV ships. We are convinced that Leonardo is the right company to acquire these helicopters,” said Minister Taiana.
The funding for acquiring helicopters for the Navy was already in the 2024 government budget. The budget request seeks $110 million for ten years for the maritime lightweight helicopter program. During the visit, Taiana had a bilateral meeting with the Italian defence ministry, Guido Crosetto, to strengthen cooperation in production and defence, training and Antarctic support.
