Article Posted on : - Jan 18, 2013

AW159 helicopter. Photo: Augusta Westland.

ROME (BNS): South Korea has selected the AgustaWestland AW159 to meet its maritime operational helicopter requirement.

The programme includes the supply of eight AW159 helicopters to the Republic of Korea Navy and a comprehensive support and training range of services valued at approximately 560 million dollar. AgustaWestland's share of the overall contract is valued at about 270 million euro.

Deliveries will start in 2015 and will be completed in 2016. The AW159s will perform a wide range of roles, from both shore and ship bases, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, search and rescue, maritime security and maritime surveillance.

This is the first export order for the new generation AW159, the latest evolution of the legacy of Lynx helicopters. The AW159 has already been ordered by the UK Ministry of Defence with a contract for 62 units for the British Army and the Royal Navy, Finmeccanica, an Italian conglomerate, said in a statement.