The Italian manufacturer Leonardo has reached an agreement with the Slovenian Ministry of Defense on the purchase of six AW139M helicopters worth 188 million euros. The helicopters will be purchased as part of a government-to-government deal via the Italian government.
The decisive factor for the government-to-government model was an expert report on the capabilities of the multi-purpose helicopters and also the economic analysis. The report stated that it would be cheaper for a contracting authority to procure the helicopters via the Italian government than to buy them directly from the manufacturer. The conclusion of the contract opens up the possibility of long-term cooperation between Slovenia and Italy. Furthermore, interoperability in joint projects within NATO or the EU will also be improved. This is also said to have been an advantage over buying directly from Leonardo.
The Leonardo AW139M helicopters have 15 seats for passengers. They will be used in Slovenia to support the operations of ground units and the rescue system. All helicopters can also be used with MEDEVAC/HNMP modules. The AW139M is also suitable for mountain rescue and firefighting.
Here for more news about Leonardo and here for more news about the Slovenian armed forces.
