Italian company Leonardo to establish new AW139 helicopter assembly line in Algeria.

As reported by Aviation Week on March 11, 2025, the Italian company Leonardo Helicopters is set to begin the local assembly of AW139 helicopters in Algeria following an order from the country’s military. The joint venture between Leonardo and the Algerian National Defense Ministry has secured an initial contract for seven AW139 twin-engine medium helicopters. This order is part of a larger planned acquisition, with the helicopters to be assembled at a newly established facility at Ain Arnat Airport in Setif province.
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As part of the production plan, the first order of seven AW139 helicopters is expected to be the initial installment of a total of 70 aircraft, with 53 designated for the Algerian market. (Picture source: DNTphoto via Algerian spotters/Facebook)

Officials stated that this contract will initiate the production process at the facility, with assembly expected to begin within one to two years. The objective is to develop domestic capabilities in both assembly and maintenance. The final customer for the aircraft has not been disclosed, and assembly kits will be supplied by Leonardo’s Verigiate facility near Milan. The Ain Arnat plant may also manufacture aircraft for export to selected countries. As part of the production plan, the first order of seven AW139 helicopters is expected to be the initial installment of a total of 70 aircraft, with 53 designated for the Algerian market. The Algerian Ministry of Defense has allocated financial resources to sustain the program in the coming years.

This assembly line in Algeria is the second AW139 production facility outside Italy, with the first located in Philadelphia. The plant is expected to manufacture at least two other Leonardo helicopter models in addition to the AW139. The establishment of the assembly line follows a 2016 agreement between Leonardo and the Algerian government aimed at expanding national industrial capabilities. The facility was originally scheduled to become operational in 2021, but progress was delayed, reportedly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Algeria has operated Leonardo helicopters since the late 2000s. Between 70 and 80 aircraft have been delivered to the country, including AW139s, AW119s, AW101s, and Super Lynx maritime helicopters. At the 13th session of the Algerian-Italian Bilateral Committee in November 2022, both parties expressed their intent to finalize the AW139 deal in 2023. Discussions also included Algeria’s interest in the AW249 attack helicopter, though no formal agreements have been reached.

Further developments regarding the AW139 deal were observed during a visit by Lieutenant General Luciano Portolano, the Secretary General of Defense and National Armaments Director of Italy, to Algeria on May 25, 2023. During this visit, a delegation including representatives from Leonardo and Segredifesa assessed the industrial site in Setif, where the Joint Venture between Leonardo and EPIC/EDIA is headquartered. The visit was intended to advance the formalization of agreements required for the industrial phase of helicopter assembly.

The AW139 has been widely adopted by both military and civilian operators across the world, with over 1,200 helicopters in operation and more than 4.5 million flight hours recorded. Major military users include the Italian Air Force, United Arab Emirates Air Force, and the Irish Air Corps, while civilian operators such as CHC Helicopter and Gulf Helicopters employ the aircraft for offshore transport, search and rescue, and emergency medical services. In North Africa, Algeria has operated multiple AW139s for military and civil protection purposes, and the country’s new assembly line is expected to increase its domestic fleet and potentially supply exports.

The AW139, an Italian medium-sized twin-engined helicopter manufactured by Leonardo, has been widely adopted by both military and civilian operators across the world, with over 1,200 helicopters in operation and more than 4.5 million flight hours recorded. (Picture source: PlaneSpotters.net/Jai Balmer)

The AW139 was originally developed through a joint venture between Agusta and Bell Helicopter under the designation AB139. After Bell withdrew from the project, AgustaWestland (now Leonardo) continued its development, leading to the first flight in 2001 and formal introduction in 2003. Over time, production expanded to several locations, including Italy, the United States, Poland, and Russia, making the AW139 one of the most commercially successful helicopters in its class. The helicopter has been widely used in various sectors, including military, corporate transport, firefighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, and offshore operations.

Therefore, several variants of the AW139 exist to meet specific operational requirements. The AW139M is a militarized version featuring advanced sensors, self-protection systems, and optional armament. The HH-139A is an Italian Air Force variant used for search and rescue missions, while the MH-139A Grey Wolf is a U.S. Air Force adaptation replacing the UH-1N for security and support roles. Other specialized versions include the VH-139A for VIP transport and the AW139W, a model adapted for the Polish Armed Forces. Some modifications focus on increasing endurance and payload capacity for different mission profiles.

The AW139 is equipped with a five-blade, fully articulated main rotor and a retractable undercarriage, allowing for multi-role adaptability. It is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turboshaft engines, achieving a cruising speed of 306 km/h and a maximum range exceeding 1,000 kilometers. The cockpit includes the Honeywell Primus EPIC avionics suite, with a four-LCD glass cockpit, autopilot, and optional night vision compatibility. The helicopter can be configured for various missions, including search and rescue, troop transport, VIP transport, and firefighting. Its modular design facilitates maintenance and customization for different operational needs.

The AW139 has a maximum gross weight of 7,000 kg and a fuel capacity of 1,568 liters. It can accommodate up to 15 passengers, depending on the configuration. The helicopter has a service ceiling of 6,096 meters and a climb rate of 10.9 meters per second. Its endurance allows for over five hours of flight time, making it suitable for long-range operations. It is designed to operate in diverse environments, including high-altitude and hot climates, with integrated systems that enhance mission adaptability.