As part of the nation’s army’s rotor wing modernization program, Italy has purchased the first batch of Leonardo’s AW249 Fenice (Phoenix) attack helicopters. The program, which was unveiled in 2017, will replace the service’s Agusta A129 Mangusta (Mongoose) helicopters, which have been in use since the 1990s, with up to 48 aircraft. Beginning in 2027, Leonardo will provide 17 platforms that will be included in the first tranche.
