An enlarged military version of the AW139, the AW149 prototype first flew on November 13, 2009. The second prototype took to the air on February 26, 2011, powered by production-standard GE CT7-2E1 engines. A civilian variant was developed as the AW189.
The AW149, now part of Leonardo’s military helicopter portfolio, originated in the mid-2000s as a clean-sheet design by AgustaWestland intended to offer a modern alternative to legacy medium-lift military helicopters such as the UH-1, Mi-8/17, and older utility platforms. Based on the civil AW139—but significantly redesigned—the AW149 incorporated a larger cabin, reinforced airframe, new avionics, and military-grade survivability features. AgustaWestland, later Leonardo, aimed to create a versatile aircraft capable of meeting NATO and international defence requirements for troop transport, medevac, special operations support, and general battlefield utility. The prototype made its first flight in November 2009, marking the start of its positioning in global defence competitions.
Over time, the AW149 evolved into a fully mature military system with advanced mission equipment, open-architecture avionics, and optional weapon configurations. Its development accelerated through technology-transfer partnerships, integration of modern sensors, and improvements derived from the AW189 civil helicopter line. The aircraft has been marketed for high-intensity operations, offering crashworthy systems, ballistic-tolerant design, and strong hot-and-high performance. Recent orders—including Poland’s 32-aircraft program and the UK’s interest under the New Medium Helicopter requirement—have solidified the AW149’s place as a competitive, next-generation medium-lift platform. Today, it represents Leonardo’s flagship military utility helicopter, designed for evolving multi-domain missions.
The AW149, now part of Leonardo’s military helicopter portfolio, originated in the mid-2000s as a clean-sheet design by AgustaWestland intended to offer a modern alternative to legacy medium-lift military helicopters such as the UH-1, Mi-8/17, and older utility platforms. Based on the civil AW139—but significantly redesigned—the AW149 incorporated a larger cabin, reinforced airframe, new avionics, and military-grade survivability features. AgustaWestland, later Leonardo, aimed to create a versatile aircraft capable of meeting NATO and international defence requirements for troop transport, medevac, special operations support, and general battlefield utility. The prototype made its first flight in November 2009, marking the start of its positioning in global defence competitions.
Over time, the AW149 evolved into a fully mature military system with advanced mission equipment, open-architecture avionics, and optional weapon configurations. Its development accelerated through technology-transfer partnerships, integration of modern sensors, and improvements derived from the AW189 civil helicopter line. The aircraft has been marketed for high-intensity operations, offering crashworthy systems, ballistic-tolerant design, and strong hot-and-high performance. Recent orders—including Poland’s 32-aircraft program and the UK’s interest under the New Medium Helicopter requirement—have solidified the AW149’s place as a competitive, next-generation medium-lift platform. Today, it represents Leonardo’s flagship military utility helicopter, designed for evolving multi-domain missions.
In July 2017, Leonardo suggested that an AW149 assembly line would be established in Yeovil, UK, if it were selected by the MoD as the replacement for the RAF Puma Mk2.
As of April 2025, more than 80 AW149 units have been either delivered or are on order worldwide.
As of April 2025, more than 80 AW149 units have been either delivered or are on order worldwide.
Specifications AW149 |
Derivatives & Versions of AW149 |
| Model | Year | History |
|---|---|---|
 AW189 2011 | 2011 | he Leonardo AW189 originated as a civil-orientated development of the military AW149 by AgustaWestland, which itself was an enlarged derivative o ... |
| Leonardo AW249 2022 | 2022 | In 2018 was announced a partnership between Polish’ PGZ and Leonardo for a new attack helicopter designed to meet the Polish Army’s requirem ... |
List of Operators of AW149 |
| Years | Model | Org | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009/16 |  AgustaWestland Italy | ||
| 2009- |  PZL Swidnik | ||
| 2016- | Leonardo Italy | ||
| 2018- |  Royal Thai Army | ||
| 2020- |  Egyptian Air Force | ||
| 2021- |  AgustaWestland UK | ||
| 2023- | Wojska Lądowe | ||
| 2025- |  North Macedonia Air Brigade |
Global Distribution of AW149 |
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