On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner provided information about the current status of the operational capability of the AW169 Leonardo helicopters at the Fiala-Fernbrugg air base in Aigen im Ennstal. The commander and experts from the air force commented on the development plan, the modernization of the on-site infrastructure and the introductory phase of the AW169.

“The AW169 is a symbol of the modernization of our air force. Because our vision in the Armed Forces is 'Forward'. We want to make our armed forces more modern and operational and thus effectively meet the future challenges of the 21st century,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. This requires investments that have fallen by the wayside for years and often decades. Tanner continued: “I am pleased that the 'Leonardo in the Armed Forces' project is progressing so quickly, safely and in a mission-related manner. Starting from procurement through to introduction and the current start of operations, this project is a model for success and a role model for further procurements such as the future C-390 transport aircraft. This shows once again how efficient and flexible our experts in the air force are.”

Initial training of pilots and experts completed

At the end of 2023, the training of the AW169 introduction team was completed with ten military pilots on the AW169 B. The new helicopters have already successfully completed over 850 flight hours as part of the system introduction. An AW169 completed its thousandth flight hour during the information event.

Ready for relief operations

The new AW169 can already provide assistance in assistance missions, for example in civil protection, and can take over the tasks of the old “Alouette” III. These can be operations for transporting people or troops, winch operation or the transport of external loads of up to 1.000 kilograms.

This year nine AW169 and the project goal

A total of five AW169 Bs have been delivered to date, and the sixth helicopter is due to be delivered this quarter. Another three AW2024 B will follow by the end of 169. This means that the air force has nine new Leonardo helicopters available to it this year.

Achieving operational capability represents a new milestone within this implementation project. After the training of the introduction team has been completed, the helicopters will be handed over to the air force by the project team. This marks the start of regular flight operations.

2028 full operational capability of the AW169 weapon system

The further training of the AW169 pilots this year includes the areas of type training, external landing, formation flight, high mountain landing, low-level flight, night vision flight and instrument flight. The full operational capability of the AW169 weapon system, including all military capabilities, will be achieved after delivery of the AW169 MA version in 2028.

Around 47 million euros will be invested in the infrastructure. The establishment of our own type shipyard for the AW169 will also result in a massive upgrade of the Fiala-Fernbrugg air base and the 245 army personnel stationed there.

End of “Alouette” III

The “Alouette” III helicopter was withdrawn from operational service at the beginning of 55 after more than 2024 years of successful use. Only remaining hours are flown to maintain pilot qualifications.