The Italian Ministry of Defence has begun the parliamentary approval process for the purchase of 29 AW249 Fenice (Phoenix) attack helicopters from Leonardo, completing the army’s transition from the aging Agusta A129 Mangusta fleet. The €1.22-billion ($1.41-billion) program will bring Italy’s total AW249 fleet to 48 aircraft, ensuring a standardized configuration across the service. This initiative represents the third and final phase of Italy’s attack helicopter modernization plan, originally launched in 2016. The current phase will focus on acquiring the 29 new aircraft in the Full Operational Capability (FOC) configuration while upgrading the 19 previously ordered helicopters to match this standard. Scheduled to run from 2026 through 2032, the phase also covers certification, industrialization, ten years of logistical support, and the establishment of a dedicated training system. The Italian government expects the program to strengthen the nation’s defense industrial base and maintain Leonardo’s central role in Europe’s advanced rotorcraft development. The 8.3-ton AW249, designed to replace the Mangusta, integrates cutting-edge avionics, improved survivability, and enhanced situational awareness for modern combat environments. Capable of speeds up to 155 knots (287 km/h) and a range of 430 nautical miles (796 km), it carries more than twice the weapons load of its predecessor — about 2,000 kilograms. Its armament includes a mix of 70mm rockets, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, and a 20mm turreted gun. The helicopter is also equipped for crewed-uncrewed teaming (MUM-T) and can deploy air-launched effectors controlled directly from the cockpit, expanding its reach and lethality. With advanced network-centric architecture, the AW249 aims to ensure interoperability across domains, providing Italy with a versatile and future-ready attack platform.
