Australia Orders Two AgustaWestland AW139 Rescue Choppers

Leonardo announced Wednesday that the government of Queensland in Australia placed an order for two Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters.

The rotorcraft are expected to aid in the country's ability to respond with additional medical services and to conduct search and rescue missions on land or sea.

The AW139s will replace two older helicopter models as part of Queensland's fleet modernization program, which aims to reduce maintenance costs.

The two AW139s are expected to be delivered by December 2018, bringing Queensland's total AW139 fleet up to five.

The AW139 is a 15-seat medium-sized twin engine helicopter that cost approximately $12 million each.