A contract was signed between the Italy-based Leonardo company and the Italian Defense General Secretariat/National Armament Directorate for an additional 18 AW169Ms to be exported to Austria. According to the additionally signed contract, the total cost of 36 helicopters is expected to reach 304 million Euros. While the first contract includes the delivery of 18 AW169M helicopters to Austria, this contract will deliver a total of 36 AW169M helicopters.

Austria's first AW169M utility helicopter was delivered last December. The delivery ceremony was attended by Austrian Defense Minister Claudia Tanner and Leonardo CEO Profumo Leonardo. The delivery ceremony was held at Brumowski Air Base in Tulln-Langenlebarn, Austria. Austrian pilots receive their helicopter training at the Leonardo company's Training Academy in Sesto Calende in Italy. The AW169M utility helicopters ordered until 2028 are targeted to be delivered to Austria.

The AW169M, a 5 ton class utility helicopter, is the military configuration of the next generation AW169 twin-engine helicopter designed to the latest FAR/JAR/EASA requirements as well as the standards of military, homeland security and government users.

The platform has agility and maneuverability, providing enhanced handling characteristics in a wide range of operating conditions. Advanced transmission design optimizes response time and usability by powering hydraulic, electrical and air conditioning systems with rotors stopped (APU mode). The AW169M offers pilots the opportunity to take advantage of a next-generation open architecture avionics package that provides enhanced tactical and situational awareness.

The AW169M can successfully perform a wide variety of missions, including troop transport, logistical support, surveillance and reconnaissance, special forces operations, command and control, medical evacuation, and search and rescue. The AW169M will be used to perform a range of tasks including patrol and reconnaissance, law enforcement, rescue and homeland security.