The recent Decree 594/2024, regarding the budget modification of the national administration for the year 2024, agreed upon between the President of the Nation and his ministers, includes authorizations to finance the purchase of lightweight naval helicopters for the Argentine Navy. The authorized amount, with a minimum repayment term of three years, totals USD 98,000,000.
According to information from the “Public Credit Operations” Annex, this sum is allocated for the “Acquisition of Lightweight Naval Helicopters to operate organically within the surface units of the Argentine Navy.” Although the Decree does not provide extensive details, it is likely referring to the purchase of Leonardo AW109M helicopters, for which a letter of intent for the acquisition of eight units has been signed.
Negotiations for the acquisition of these lightweight helicopters began in the previous administration, with several candidates evaluated for the project. Following a visit to Italy by then-Minister of Defense Jorge Taiana, a letter of intent with Leonardo for the AW109M was finalized.
“In discussing with Leonardo, we observed lightweight helicopters…eight that would specifically serve the OPVs…We hope to move forward following the letter of intent,” Minister Taiana told Zona Militar in late September 2023. The integration of the AW109M is one of many initiatives by the Argentine Navy aimed at enhancing Naval Aviation capabilities. Ongoing programs include the purchase of four P-3C/N Orion maritime patrol aircraft from Norway, along with the addition of additional Huron twin-engine aircraft.
If the acquisition of the Leonardo AW109M helicopters materializes, the Naval Aviation Command will be able to replace the aging AS-555-SN Fennec helicopters currently operated by the First Naval Aviation Squadron of Helicopters. The new AW109M helicopters are expected to serve aboard oceanic patrol vessels (OPV87/90) and potentially other naval units of the Argentine Navy.
Additionally, some of the eight helicopters may be equipped with Over The Horizon Targeting (OTHT) capabilities, intended to operate alongside the surface-to-surface capabilities of the MEKO 360 destroyers of the Fleet. Others will be configured for Search and Rescue operations and light transport.
During the LAAD 2023 international fair in Brazil, Leonardo provided insights into the AW109M, highlighting features such as a four-axis autopilot, a side winch for SAR missions, and interior medical evacuation equipment for up to two persons. The helicopter, weighing around three tons, offers a versatile cabin that can be configured to meet mission requirements, accommodating a crew of two (pilot and co-pilot) plus six additional passengers.
With financing approval in place, developments regarding the formalization of a purchase contract for these lightweight helicopters for the Argentine Navy can be expected in the near future.
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Cover image for illustrative purposes. Credits: Leonardo
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