AVES receives UH-169D LUH: Latest Generation Light Multirole Helicopter

On 28 April 2025, the Italian Army took a significant step forward in the modernisation of its helicopter fleet. In a ceremony held at the hangar of the 28th 'Tucano' Squadron Group in Viterbo, the first UH-169D LUH (Light Utility Helicopter) multi-role helicopter was delivered, a model that marks an important evolution in the operational and technological capabilities of the Army Aviation Corps (AVES). The ceremony was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Army, Army General Carmine Masiello, the top management of the Directorate of Air Armaments and Airworthiness (DAAA), and representatives from Leonardo Elicotteri S.p.A.

The UH-169D is the result of a close collaboration between the Italian Army, the Secretariat General of Defence - Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness Directorate, and Leonardo Helicopters. This new helicopter, which is part of a global fleet modernisation plan, represents a decisive leap forward in terms of technology and operational capabilities. The model has been developed on the basis of the AW169M helicopter, a military version of Leonardo's latest-generation AW169 twin-engine helicopter, and responds to the changing needs of modern operations. The programme envisages the gradual replacement of older helicopters such as the AB206, AB205, AB212 and AB412, which will be replaced to ensure greater efficiency in terms of logistics, operations and training.

A Helicopter Fit for Modern Needs

The UH-169D is an advanced multi-role helicopter, designed to perform a wide range of missions, including utility transport, MEDEVAC (Medical Evacuation) and CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation) operations. Thanks to its versatile configuration, this model is a key element in the Italian Army's national security and international operations. Indeed, the new helicopter makes it possible to respond more effectively to complex and uncertain scenarios, where speed and flexibility are essential.

One of the main advantages of the UH-169D is that it can operate in synergy with other AW169 helicopter fleets, which are already present in Italy in various fields, including police forces and public utilities. This interoperability ensures greater efficiency in joint operations, which can be conducted with greater safety and coordination between different government forces.

Innovation and Interoperability

During the handover ceremony, Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, emphasised that the new helicopter represents the beginning of a 'new era' for the Italian Army, thanks to advanced technical support capabilities, mission flexibility and interoperability in the light helicopter sector. The partnership between Leonardo and the Army, which has lasted for decades, has led to the development of an aircraft that fully meets the operational needs of military personnel, optimising response capability in complex scenarios.

In his speech, General Masiello highlighted the importance of this achievement for the future of the Italian Army. The modernisation of the helicopter fleet is, in fact, a fundamental part of the Armed Force's development plan, which aims to guarantee soldiers the best tools to operate on the front line. The synergy between institutions and industry, such as that between the Ministry of Defence and Leonardo Helicopters, is essential for the success of ambitious programmes like the LUH, which meet the demands of an increasingly dynamic and complex operational environment.

Advanced Technology and Capabilities

The UH-169D features a series of innovations that make it high-performance. The advanced propulsion system ensures high performance in all operating conditions, even at high altitudes and in high temperatures. The cabin, which is among the most spacious in its class, allows for rapid reconfiguration and easy entry, while state-of-the-art digital avionics offer pilots unprecedented visibility and enhanced situational awareness. This makes the UH-169D ideal for tackling a variety of missions in both domestic and international operations.

A Promising Future

The UH-169D programme includes the acquisition of 25 units, and represents a milestone in the strengthening of the operational capabilities of the Army Aviation. The first unit follows the delivery of two UH-169B training helicopters, which enabled the crews to become familiar with the features of the new model. The modernisation plan does not stop here: the aim is to provide the Army with a modern and highly efficient fleet, ready to meet all the challenges that the operational future will bring.

In conclusion, the introduction of the UH-169D represents not only a significant technological advancement, but also a strengthening of the Italian Army's response capability both domestically and internationally. This new light multi-role helicopter, the result of the collaboration between the Army and Leonardo, is destined to become one of the key tools for the Armed Force's operations in the decades to come.