On April 28, the Italian Army officially received its first UH-169D (LUH) light utility helicopter, manufactured by Leonardo.
The delivery marks a significant step in the modernization program of the land force’s aircraft fleet, with a total of 25 units ordered and deliveries scheduled through 2027.
The new aircraft arrives following the 2020 delivery of two UH-169B helicopters intended for crew training, used for familiarization and operational preparation ahead of the introduction of the more advanced multirole variant.
Specifically developed for the Italian Army based on the AW169 platform, the UH-169D represents, according to Leonardo, a leap forward in technology and capability. The new version incorporates improvements such as skid landing gear and a maximum weight of 5.1 tons (compared to 4.8t on the AW169), enabling the transport of heavier payloads.
The cabin can be configured in up to 14 different layouts to meet the multifunctional demands of the force.
Modernization and versatility
The UH-169D will be used for logistics transport missions, medical evacuation, and general operational support, replacing older models such as the A109, AB206, AB205, and AB212. The program aims to unify the fleet under a single platform, reducing logistical costs and increasing operational efficiency.
“The Italian Army’s LUH undoubtedly marks the beginning of a new era in terms of capability, technical support, mission flexibility, and interoperability in the light segment,” said Gian Piero Cutillo, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters.
According to the company, five new UH-169D helicopters are scheduled for delivery as early as 2025. Leonardo’s global fleet based on the AW169 family exceeds 200 units in service across around 30 countries. The platform is also used by other Italian institutions, such as the Guardia di Finanza, which ordered 22 AW169M units for €280 million to replace aging A109 helicopters.
Source and images: Esercito Italiano and Leonardo Helicopters. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
