Leonardo AW-149 helicopter was photographed during one of the last flight trial test. The helicopter shows different updates, as longer exhaust nozzles, the self-protection suite, decoy dispencer, 70mm rocket launchers and fairing on the nose for Gabbiano radar.
Previous EgAF Leonardo AW-149s were not seen with these adjustments. In 2019, Egypt ordered 24 AW-149s and eight AW-189s. The contract, valued at €871 million was not officially reported, but eventually the sale was recorded in the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation’s 2019 arms exports report to the Italian Senate of the Republic.
Seven AW-149 naval versions have been delivered so far with two more on order. These AW-149s are painted in a red and white colourscheme. Serials known for the naval version are 30 until 38, all are/will be operated by an unknown squadron under the 545 Air Wing (545 AW) at Borg-el-Arab air base. Starting from serial 39, which are painted in a desert camouflage scheme, five AW-149s have been delivered (39 until 43) and are operated by 14 Squadron under the 545 Air Wing.
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