Italy’s Ministry of Defence has begun the parliamentary approval process to acquire 29 more AW249 Fenice attack helicopters for the Italian Army, a deal valued at 1.22 billion euros ($1.41 billion).
The new batch will expand the fleet to 48 helicopters, enabling the retirement of the long-serving Agusta A129 Mangusta, which has operated since the 1990s.
This acquisition marks Phase III of the AW249 procurement program, first initiated in 2016. It covers the production of 29 Full Operational Capability (FOC) aircraft and the modernization of 19 earlier units to the same configuration.
Running from 2026 to 2032, the phase includes certification, industrial development, a decade of logistics support, and training system procurement.
Inside the AW249 Program
The Leonardo-built AW249 represents Italy’s next-generation attack helicopter, engineered for future battlefields with advanced digital connectivity and multi-domain interoperability.
Weighing 8.3 tons (8,900 kilograms), it can carry up to 2,000 kilograms (4,409 pounds) of weapons — more than double the load of the A129 Mangusta.
It reaches speeds of 155 knots (287 km/h) and a range of 430 nautical miles (796 km), supporting close air support, escort, and interdiction missions.
Armed with guided and unguided munitions, including 70mm rockets, air-to-air/air-to-ground missiles, and a 20mm turreted gun, the AW249 combines firepower with flexibility.
Its crewed-uncrewed teaming capability and air-launched effectors—controlled directly from the cockpit—enhance lethality, range, and mission adaptability.
