Italy’s Carabinieri takes a further step forward in the framework of their helicopter fleet modernization, taking delivery of their sixth Leonardo AW169M. Visiting the Leonardo’s Vergiate final assembly line facility yesterday, Carabinieri’s General Commander Lieutenant General Teo Luzi had a chance to get an update on the progress made in the service’s modernization programme and to see the three new helicopter models acquired in recent years – AW139, AW169M and AW119Kx – which allow the best mission management depending on a range of operational needs.

The helicopter fleet modernization programme, which also includes comprehensive technical support and training services for maintenance technicians and pilots/crews, allows the growth of the Carabinieri Air Service’s capabilities, enhancing the security of national communities.  

Thanks to the technology available on the new helicopters, it is possible to carry out a range of patrol and reconnaissance tasks over land, identifying critical targets, gathering investigation evidence, and supporting ground units’ activities. Other duties also comprise environment monitoring and protection, and, if asked by the National Disaster Relief Authority, firefighting in addition to rescue missions.

The Carabinieri’s AW169Ms feature a special configuration including a rescue hoist, wire cutter, fast roping system, cargo hook, advanced ground proximity system, a night vision goggle-compatible cockpit, and searchlight. Further equipment and mission systems provided by Leonardo are integrated into the helicopter, including, among others, the LEOSS II electro-optics, mission console, IFF transponder, tactical radio, and the OPLS (Obstacle Proximity LiDAR System) collision avoidance system.