Latvia has signed a contract for two AW119Kx helicopters plus the option for an additional unit, customised configuration and aircrew/maintenance technician training services.
The helicopters will be delivered in 2019 and will be deployed for missions including search and rescue, transport, firefighting and disaster relief.
This order marks a further expansion of the State Border Guard’s fleet of Leonardo helicopters, adding to two AW109 Power light twins which have been successfully in service for the last ten years.
The AW119Kx was chosen following a thorough assessment of competing types within the framework of the Ministry of the Interior’s helicopter fleet modernisation programme.
The combination of AW109 Power and AW119Kx helicopters will boost the State Border Guard’s mission capabilities and versatility for round-the-clock day/night operations.
The aircraft will replace two ageing AB206B JetRangers, and will join the two AW109 Power light twins which have been in service with the guard for the last ten years.
