Argentina wants to purchase eight Leonard AW109M light helicopters for Bouchard-class patrol vessels

Argentina intends to purchase helicopters from the Italian company Leonardo. The country's Ministry of Defence has signed a letter of intent.

Here's What We Know

The agreement was signed on 22 September 2023 during the visit of Argentine Defence Minister Jorge Taiana to Italy. The Head of Defence was able to inspect the production line where the helicopters are assembled.

Argentina has chosen the Leonardo AW109M helicopters for the navy. They will be based on board Bouchard class maritime patrol ships, whose task is to patrol the country's exclusive economic zone.

The Bouchard ships were built in France and procured between 2019 and 2022. They help Argentina fight illegal exploitation of fishing resources, which is estimated at $1-2.6bn a year.

Funding for the purchase of eight Leonardo AW109M helicopters was included in the government's draft budget for next year. The budget request proposes $110 million for the light helicopter fleet programme. The amount is spread over 10 years.

Source: Defence News