Italian defence company Leonardo has commenced testing its latest generation of attack helicopters, marking a significant step forward in the country’s military aviation capabilities.
The company confirmed that four prototypes are currently undergoing evaluation, with the tests progressing successfully.
Leonardo plans to develop 48 of these advanced helicopters for the Italian Army, aiming to replace the ageing Agusta A129 Mangusta fleet, which has been in service since the early 1990s.
The new helicopters boast cutting-edge weaponry, including an M197 three-barrel 20mm rotary cannon and an advanced SPIKE-ER anti-tank missile system.
Additionally, they are powered by twin CT7-8E6 engines, developed by US-based General Electric, ensuring superior performance and reliability.
