LISBON -- The Portuguese Ministry of Defence (MoD) has selected the Leonardo AW119Kx as its new multirole single engine helicopter to meet its future operational requirements. The Portuguese Air Force is set to take delivery of five aircraft with an option for a further two units.
Deliveries will start in late 2018 from Leonardo’s plant in Philadelphia with completion of deliveries by early 2020. The contract awarded by the Portuguese MoD is valued in excess of €20 million ($23 million).
The new helicopters will be used to perform a wide range of roles including training, MEDEVAC, troop transport and short range maritime search and rescue (SAR) and may be used for firefighting. This selection marks a further reinforcement of the long standing partnership between Leonardo and the Portuguese MoD. Portugal's military already operates the heavy AW101 for long range SAR, utility, personnel recovery and fishery protection missions and the Super Lynx for maritime missions.