There the head of the Defense portfolio stated: “In Argentina our ocean patrol vessels need to have light helicopters that can enter the hangars of the OPV vessels. “We are convinced that Leonardo is the right company to acquire these helicopters.”

The acquisition of eight AW 109 light embarked helicopters from the “Leonardo” firm for the Argentine Navy and the Joint Maritime Command will expand the control and surveillance capabilities of maritime spaces under national jurisdiction, since this system is suitable for incorporation into OPV ocean patrol vessels.

The AW109 multipurpose helicopter is a medium twin-engine helicopter that can be configured to fulfill various functions, both surveillance and Emergency Medical Services and Search and Rescue (SAR), tasks for which it has a side winch that facilitates air evacuations. It has capacity for one pilot and one co-pilot and six crew members and can operate for three hours, at a range of about 574 kilometers.

Cooperation between Argentina and Italy in Defense matters dates back to 1992 when the Defense Cooperation Agreement was signed in Rome, which came into force in 1997, which establishes the guiding principles of mutual cooperation in the productive sector and acquisition of capabilities related to defense equipment.

During his tour of Italy, Minister Taiana also held a bilateral meeting with his Italian counterpart, Guido Crosetto, at the Army Palace, to strengthen cooperation in production and defense, training and Antarctic support.