Italian Army receives first UH-169D light utility helicopter

The Italian Army has officially received its first UH-169D light utility helicopter (LUH) during a ceremony at the Army Aviation Headquarters in Viterbo on 28 April. This delivery marks a significant milestone in the Army’s modernization efforts, with a total of 25 units ordered and deliveries expected to conclude by 2027.

Developed from Leonardo’s AW169M military helicopter platform, the UH-169D is designed to replace aging models such as the A109, AB206, AB205, AB212, and AB412. The LUH’s advanced multi-role configuration includes dedicated flight and mission equipment, skid landing gear, and an advanced C4 command, control, and communication system, ensuring interoperability within NATO operations.

The UH-169D enhances operational capabilities in utility transport, medical evacuation (medevac), and casualty evacuation (casevac), contributing to both national security and international mission effectiveness. Its introduction also offers logistical, operational, and training synergies across Italy’s growing fleet of AW169 helicopters, including those operated by the Carabinieri and Guardia di Finanza.

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, stated: “The Italian Army’s LUH represents the start of a new era in terms of capabilities, technical support, mission flexibility, and interoperability in the lightweight segment.”

This delivery follows the 2020 introduction of two UH-169B basic training helicopters, which have been instrumental in preparing crews for the transition to the advanced multi-role variant.

Last year Leonardo delivered an additional AW169M helicopter to Italy’s Carabinieri.