Egypt tops the list of Italian arms purchases in 2019 with 32 helicopters

[The SC]

Several Italian press reports revealed the data contained in the UAMA Agency's annual report on defense industries and exports for 2019 that the Italian government sent to Parliament for discussion, and the report shows that the Italian government granted its approval last year to sell weapons worth 5.17 billion euros and Egypt was at the top of this list with a total € 871.7 million for the purchase of 32 Leonardo spa helicopters.

Turkmenistan ranks second with a total of 446.1 million euros, and Britain ranks third with a value of 419.1 million euros

On the other hand, Leonardo spa topped the list of licenses granted to companies by 58%, followed by a notable difference, Electronics Spa by 5.5%, then Calzoni Srl by 4.3%.


https://www.today.it/attualita/export-armi-italia-dati.html

https://www.difesapopolo.it/Fatti/E...per-5-17-miliardi-con-Egitto-primo-acquirente


AW-149

 

[The SC]

High versatility for a wide range of missions

The AW149 is the latest-generation multi-role helicopter designed to ensure excellent performance, lower life-cycle costs and day and night all weather capability. The large, rapidly reconfigurable cabin can accommodate a wide range of role equipment and weapon systems to enhance its operational effectiveness and ensure high battle survivability.

Mission capability

The AW149 is designed for a multitude of missions such as Troop Transport, Re-supply/External Load Lift, Medical and Casualty Evacuation, SAR and Personnel Recovery, Special Forces Operations, Close Air Support/Armed Escort, Command and Control, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance.

Outstanding technology

The advanced open-architecture avionics enables quick and effective integration of mission and customer required equipment as well as weapon and defense systems. The helicopter is Day/Night capable with a single pilot Night Vision Goggle (NVG) compatible low workload glass cockpit.

Inherent safety and survivability

The AW149 ensures unparalleled crew safety. Contributing to its high battle survivability are crashworthy fuselage and seats, heavy duty landing gear, self-sealing fuel tanks, fully integrated defensive aids suite along with additional armour protection.

Maximum cabin flexibility

The spacious, unobstructed cabin and large sliding doors on both sides enable quick ingress/egress of equipped troops and rapid recovery of stretchers on the ground or in flight, whilst allowing simultaneous cover fire from window-mounted machine guns.

https://www.leonardocompany.com/en/products/aw149

 

[Gomig-21]

The AN-149 actually makes much more sense than the Ka-52 Katran. If they haven't agreed yet on the latter, they might be considering forgoing it and going with the AN-149 to equip both Mistrals and have the capability in all configurations in not only the usual attack role, but especially in the critical SAR and the hospitals on board the Mistrals. That's a particular role the Katran is not capable of and add in of course the western systems on the 149 it makes all the sense in the world. I hope this is the way they go and even perhaps look into the Italian defensive measure for the carriers instead of the Russian.

 

[mekawy]

good, we have shortage in naval transportation hellos

The AN-149 actually makes much more sense than the Ka-52 Katran. If they haven't agreed yet on the latter, they might be considering forgoing it and going with the AN-149 to equip both Mistrals and have the capability in all configurations in not only the usual attack role, but especially in the critical SAR and the hospitals on board the Mistrals. That's a particular role the Katran is not capable of and add in of course the western systems on the 149 it makes all the sense in the world. I hope this is the way they go and even perhaps look into the Italian defensive measure for the carriers instead of the Russian.

does aw-149 have capabilities like ka-52k with kh-35 ?

 

[The SC]

The AN-149 actually makes much more sense than the Ka-52 Katran. If they haven't agreed yet on the latter, they might be considering forgoing it and going with the AN-149 to equip both Mistrals and have the capability in all configurations in not only the usual attack role, but especially in the critical SAR and the hospitals on board the Mistrals. That's a particular role the Katran is not capable of and add in of course the western systems on the 149 it makes all the sense in the world. I hope this is the way they go and even perhaps look into the Italian defensive measure for the carriers instead of the Russian.

Leonardo Helicopters appears to have secured a vital export deal for its AW149, with the 9t-class rotorcraft selected by Egypt for a requirement of around 20 aircraft.
Cairo intends to use the helicopters for land-based and ship-borne troop transport and search and rescue missions
Little information was immediately available on the detail of the contract, but it is understood that Leonardo overcame competition from the NH Industries (NHI) NH90 for the deal.

 

[Gomig-21]

does aw-149 have capabilities like ka-52k with kh-35 ?

That's the only reason you would like to have the Katran instead of the AW-149? When the 149 has several other capable function including the main, attack role as well as 19 troop transport and combat SAR + conventional SAR as well.

Plus you're not losing much or anything as far as the Kh-35 is concerned because you can still launch that from the the Ka-52 Nile Crocodile, or the MiG-35 or the Su-35 or its own ground-based launchers as well. So you're not sacrificing anything but gaining a lot more.

Leonardo Helicopters appears to have secured a vital export deal for its AW149, with the 9t-class rotorcraft selected by Egypt for a requirement of around 20 aircraft.
Cairo intends to use the helicopters for land-based and ship-borne troop transport and search and rescue missions
Little information was immediately available on the detail of the contract, but it is understood that Leonardo overcame competition from the NH Industries (NHI) NH90 for the deal.

Which is exactly why I mentioned that because I had just heard of this and was hoping this is the route they will go and perhaps add a few strictly combat platforms to the mix. If not, they can always use the Apaches or the Ka-52s they already have like they have been. Just the marine maintenance on them will be a bit hectic, that's all.

 

[Yongpeng Sun-Tastaufen]

Wow. Hopefully the Egyptian purchase will persuade Italy to abandon its support for Turkey backed GNA in Libya.

The AN-149 actually makes much more sense than the Ka-52 Katran. If they haven't agreed yet on the latter, they might be considering forgoing it and going with the AN-149 to equip both Mistrals and have the capability in all configurations in not only the usual attack role, but especially in the critical SAR and the hospitals on board the Mistrals. That's a particular role the Katran is not capable of and add in of course the western systems on the 149 it makes all the sense in the world. I hope this is the way they go and even perhaps look into the Italian defensive measure for the carriers instead of the Russian.

Ka-52K is attack helicopter armed with Kh-35 anti ship missiles. AW149 is not an attack helicopter. It's used for ASW I think. So one is not a substitute of the other.

 

[Amun]

The AN-149 actually makes much more sense than the Ka-52 Katran. If they haven't agreed yet on the latter, they might be considering forgoing it and going with the AN-149 to equip both Mistrals and have the capability in all configurations in not only the usual attack role, but especially in the critical SAR and the hospitals on board the Mistrals. That's a particular role the Katran is not capable of and add in of course the western systems on the 149 it makes all the sense in the world. I hope this is the way they go and even perhaps look into the Italian defensive measure for the carriers instead of the Russian.

you need to consider many things :
1- Mistrals design fits mainly to KA-52 K ( as it was originally Russian).
2- AW-149 will not come for Mistrals only , but it will be active on all new Egyptian ships .
3- AW-149 deal is divided as in the news into ground and marine types .... not only Marine .
4- it is most fit in SAR and ASW but Ka-52 K mainly against surface ships and amphibious attacks.

so I believe they complement each other .

 

[Gomig-21]

Ka-52K is attack helicopter armed with Kh-35 anti ship missiles. AW149 is not an attack helicopter. It's used for ASW I think. So one is not a substitute of the other.

The AW149 is a multi-role helicopter which can function under several roles. It's not simply a dedicated ASW. And yes, it can be configured as an attack helo with missiles, rockets and even a 50 cal gunner while at the same time, have the capacity to carry 19 troops and perform SAR. The Ka-52K is strictly an attack helo. Limited to that 1 function and it doesn't make much sense to load both carriers with just that when we have 46 land-based units as well as 43 Apaches and countless gazelles (which operate off the French Mistrals) and the list goes on.

you need to consider many things :
1- Mistrals design fits mainly to KA-52 K ( as it was originally Russian).
2- AW-149 will not come for Mistrals only , but it will be active on all new Egyptian ships .
3- AW-149 deal is divided as in the news into ground and marine types .... not only Marine .
4- it is most fit in SAR and ASW but Ka-52 K mainly against surface ships and amphibious attacks.

so I believe they complement each other .

Oh I've considered many things, my friend. The only real reason the K was considered from the start was because the ships were built for the Russians whom BTW, were NOT going to equip it solely with the Ka-52k. The plan the Russians had was to equip each LHDs with 8 Ka-52K attack helicopters only, 4 Ka-29 transport helicopters and 4 Ka-27P ASW helicopters. That's a much better configuration of duties although I would rather see more transport helos in the mix because that's really the function of the Mistral, to quickly transport troops to a mainland and get them onshore by boat and helo transport. At least if they can end up with a complimentary group of helos like you said, the better. Just not all Ks. And if 1 make can serve all 3 functions, that's even better.

 

[The SC]

Leonardo sold 24 AW149 aircraft and eight AW189 helicopters to the Egyptian army..

AW149

AW189

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/d5aedf0d-aa74-4763-9e77-52d09c89dd92


The AW149 carries 16 fully equipped troops in modern crashworthy seats with a fully crashworthy structure, and is capable of fulfilling a variety of roles, including troop transport, external load lifting, CASEVAC, SAR and combat SAR, fire support, reconnaissance, surveillance, and command and control


AW189 is the civilian version of the AW149

 

[Gomig-21]

Italian foreign ministry's report to Senate on 2019 arms exports reveals that
@Leonardo_IT
sold 32 military helicopters (24 AW149 and 8 AW189) to Egypt, in a deal worth €871 million. The AW149 is the dedicated combar version of AW139.

Leonardo sold 24 AW149 aircraft and eight AW189 helicopters to the Egyptian army..

AW149

AW189

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/d5aedf0d-aa74-4763-9e77-52d09c89dd92


The AW149 carries 16 fully equipped troops in modern crashworthy seats with a fully crashworthy structure, and is capable of fulfilling a variety of roles, including troop transport, external load lifting, CASEVAC, SAR and combat SAR, fire support, reconnaissance, surveillance, and command and control


AW189 is the civilian version of the AW149

This is excellent, SC.

Italian foreign ministry's report to Senate on 2019 arms exports reveals that
@Leonardo_IT
sold 32 military helicopters (24 AW149 and 8 AW189) to Egypt, in a deal worth €871 million. The AW149 is the dedicated combar version of AW139.

http://www.senato.it/service/PDF/PDFServer/DF/351143.pdf


A couple of concerns. We all saw all the SAR and medic evacuation training they've been doing using the Mi-17 with the new Presidential Defensive system for the last few years, especially during Bright Star. So it's really good to see them start taking this particularly important element of any military much more seriously than they had before. As a matter of fact, it was grossly neglected and they used to subcontract the civilian ambulatory service along with a mish-mash of airborne transport to evacuate injured soldiers off the field and to hospitals and frankly it wasn't working very well. I think we all know that more than enough soldiers died because there wasn't a fluid form of not only evacuation, but on-hands medical service units in field.

One can only hope that Leonardo offers something or anything comparable to the President-S defensive system that pretty much thwarts any incoming missile with super efficiency and high probability of success. Watching that system work is incredible and if they end up using the AW-189 for SAR and medic evacuation -- which most certainly seems to be the case, here -- that Leonardo offers something remotely close to it to help protect these helos during their most vulnerable moments. Especially against ISIS scum equipped with RPGs etc.

The other question will be the fate of this order? I mean, who doesn't love this thing and want to see it as well?!

Also equipped (standard I believe) with the President-S system.

Item 308 @The SC - 30 km range.

Do we know how "foldable" any of the Leonardo AW's are?

There is no information out there that shows either the 149 or the 189 being able to fold their rotors for aircraft carrier storage. This would automatically disqualify it as a possible alternative to the Mistrals and perhaps strictly for the new frigates and corvettes for the navy, while also performing troop transport to any of the ships. But I see no folding rotors capabilities. Does anyone?

LEO 189 in Coast Guard rescue mode.

The 149's cockpit.

The 189's cockpit.

 

[The SC]

Italian foreign ministry's report to Senate on 2019 arms exports reveals that
@Leonardo_IT
sold 32 military helicopters (24 AW149 and 8 AW189) to Egypt, in a deal worth €871 million. The AW149 is the dedicated combar version of AW139.


This is excellent, SC.

Italian foreign ministry's report to Senate on 2019 arms exports reveals that
@Leonardo_IT
sold 32 military helicopters (24 AW149 and 8 AW189) to Egypt, in a deal worth €871 million. The AW149 is the dedicated combar version of AW139.

http://www.senato.it/service/PDF/PDFServer/DF/351143.pdf


A couple of concerns. We all saw all the SAR and medic evacuation training they've been doing using the Mi-17 with the new Presidential Defensive system for the last few years, especially during Bright Star. So it's really good to see them start taking this particularly important element of any military much more seriously than they had before. As a matter of fact, it was grossly neglected and they used to subcontract the civilian ambulatory service along with a mish-mash of airborne transport to evacuate injured soldiers off the field and to hospitals and frankly it wasn't working very well. I think we all know that more than enough soldiers died because there wasn't a fluid form of not only evacuation, but on-hands medical service units in field.

One can only hope that Leonardo offers something or anything comparable to the President-S defensive system that pretty much thwarts any incoming missile with super efficiency and high probability of success. Watching that system work is incredible and if they end up using the AW-189 for SAR and medic evacuation -- which most certainly seems to be the case, here -- that Leonardo offers something remotely close to it to help protect these helos during their most vulnerable moments. Especially against ISIS scum equipped with RPGs etc.

The other question will be the fate of this order? I mean, who doesn't love this thing and want to see it as well?!

Also equipped (standard I believe) with the President-S system.

Item 308 @The SC - 30 km range.

Do we know how "foldable" any of the Leonardo AW's are?

There is no information out there that shows either the 149 or the 189 being able to fold their rotors for aircraft carrier storage. This would automatically disqualify it as a possible alternative to the Mistrals and perhaps strictly for the new frigates and corvettes for the navy, while also performing troop transport to any of the ships. But I see no folding rotors capabilities. Does anyone?

LEO 189 in Coast Guard rescue mode.

The 149's cockpit.

The 189's cockpit.

Most likely these helicopters are to replace the old western transport helicopters ... same class
The aforementioned additions are useful to support ground forces on the ground or an expeditionary force or just insuring coverage..It is able to be equipped with the systems required by the customer according to his needs to perform a wide range of roles and to change his roles or upgrade easily to meet future operating needs. Sonar is not mentioned here!

The K-52K..Egypt bought 32 of them.. they helicopter is still under testing in Russia.. Egypt will get its 32 after all the tests are passed the same goes for Russia itself.. It has won the Egyptian international bid..if you remember..So it is coming..just question of time..

They say the same things on this page:

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=2531084703774736