Argentina to Firm up Acquisition of 8 AW 109 Helicopters from Leonardo

Argentina will firm up the acquisition of eight AW-109 light helicopters from Leonardo during the current visit of its defense minister, Jorge Taiana to Italy.

The helicopters are intended for Argentine Navy, which will allow expanding the control and surveillance capabilities of maritime spaces under national jurisdiction, an Argentinian MoD press release said.

The AW109 are suitable for operation from offshore patrol vessels of the Argentinian Navy, the statement said.

A contract could be signed during Taiana’s visit to Leonardo’s factory in Italy on Thursday, September 28.

During his meeting with Italian counterpart Guido Crosetto, they discussed Ukraine's war and Argentina's defense progress.

Taiana outlined the National Defense Policy Directive, Military Capabilities Plan, and the National Defense Fund (FONDEF), emphasizing increased Armed Forces equipment. He also proposed expanding Argentina's presence in the South Atlantic and Antarctica with seven permanent bases as part of a bicontinental vision.

Additionally, in the coming months, the Italian Navy's Américo Vespucci, the world's oldest training ship, will visit Buenos Aires as part of its global instructional journey.