Italy has acquired its first batch of AW249 Fenice (Phoenix) attack helicopters from Leonardo under a program to modernize the army’s rotary-wing fleet. Launched in 2017, the initiative aims to produce up to 48 units to replace the aging Agusta A129 Mangusta helicopters, which have been in service since the 1990s. The initial order includes 17 helicopters, with deliveries beginning in 2027.
