Algeria purchases three AW159 Wildcat helicopters to expand the anti-submarine capabilities of Adhafer-class corvettes.

As reported by FlightGlobal on March 13, 2025, Algeria signed a contract with Leonardo for the delivery of three AW159 Wildcat helicopters, with deliveries expected to conclude by 2027. These helicopters are likely set to be deployed aboard Algeria’s new Adhafer-class corvettes, built in China by CSSC, to enhance the Algerian Navy’s capabilities in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW). According to earlier information published in 2013, the AW159s are expected to be equipped with French Compact FLASH dipping sonar, MU90 lightweight torpedoes, already on order, and Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), allowing them to engage both underwater and light surface targets.
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For anti-submarine warfare (ASW) roles, the AW159 Wildcat can carry two Sting Ray, MU90, or Blue Shark torpedoes, and can also deploy sonobuoys or Mk.11 depth charges depending on configuration. (Picture source: UK MoD)

The Adhafer-class, also known as the C28A, is a 3,000-ton stealth corvette class built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) for the Algerian Navy. Three ships, Adhafer, El Fateh, and Ezzadjer, have been commissioned since 2015, with an option for three more. Measuring 120 meters in length and 14.4 meters in beam, the corvettes are powered by four MTU diesel engines, enabling a top speed of 30 knots. Designed with reduced radar and infrared signatures, they feature radar-absorbing paint, a “low point” hull design, and waterline exhaust outlets. Each vessel is armed with a 76 mm NG-16-1 main gun, two Type 730 close-in weapon systems, two quad C-802A anti-ship missile launchers, an eight-cell FM90N short-range air defence system for HQ-7 missiles, and two triple 324 mm torpedo tubes. The ships also feature aviation facilities, including a flight deck and hangar designed to operate helicopters such as the Super Lynx Mk140.

The contract with Algeria has led Leonardo Helicopters to restart production of the AW159, which had previously been suspended following the completion of earlier export contracts. Gian Piero Cutillo, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters, confirmed that Algeria is currently the only active customer for the Wildcat. He stated that while the company is exploring “a couple of opportunities,” including a replacement program in New Zealand for its Kaman SH-2G(I) Super Seasprite helicopters from 2027, none of the ongoing campaigns involve large order quantities or are regarded as highly probable in the near term. Cutillo emphasized the need to make a decision “a bit sooner” on the programme’s future, explaining that the AW159 is one of the items under strategic review. He added that sustaining production for such a small volume increases the cost per unit, making the helicopter less competitive in the international market.

The financial implications of restarting production for only three units are compounded by the necessity to maintain the support infrastructure for the United Kingdom’s Wildcat fleet. The UK currently operates 62 AW159 helicopters, 34 with the British Army and 28 with the Royal Navy. Cutillo noted the company’s ongoing discussions with its domestic customers to define a sustainable long-term support strategy. At the Yeovil facility, where the Wildcat is produced, Leonardo is pursuing other projects to ensure operational continuity. These include negotiations with the UK Ministry of Defence for the New Medium Helicopter programme, which could result in AW149 production at the site, and potential future production of the Proteus uncrewed helicopter, currently in the demonstrator phase. Cutillo stated that final assembly and testing represent around 25% of the Yeovil site’s total turnover. While he does not currently foresee the worst-case scenario of site closure as realistic, he acknowledged that “in a couple of years from now, without any products, we will have to take extraordinary action.”

The AW159 Wildcat is a military helicopter developed by AgustaWestland, now part of Leonardo, as a successor to the Westland Super Lynx. Initially known as the Future Lynx, the programme was launched to replace the Royal Navy’s and British Army’s Lynx helicopters. A formal assessment phase began in 2002, and in 2006, the UK Ministry of Defence awarded AgustaWestland a contract for 70 helicopters, later reduced to 62. The Wildcat first flew in November 2009 and entered service with the British Army in 2014 and the Royal Navy in 2015. Export customers include the South Korean Navy, which received eight AW159s for maritime operations under the MOH Batch 1 programme, and the Philippine Navy, which acquired two helicopters for use with its Jose Rizal-class frigates. Besides Algeria, no new export customers have been confirmed since the order by the Philippines, and earlier bids in countries such as Denmark and Germany were unsuccessful.

Powered by two LHTEC CTS800-4N turboshaft engines, each rated at 1,361 horsepower, driving BERP IV rotor blades, the AW159 Wildcat possesses a maximum takeoff weight of 6,000 kg and can reach a maximum speed of 311 km/h. (Picture source: UK MoD)

Prior to Leonardo’s official announcement of the Algerian deal, reporting by French media in 2013 indicated that Thales Underwater Systems had been reportedly selected to equip AW159s destined for Algeria with the Compact FLASH sonar. The report linked the helicopters to the C28A/Adhafer-class corvettes and suggested they would be armed with MU90 torpedoes and LMMs. This confirmed earlier expectations that Algeria was planning to acquire new airborne ASW assets to complement its new naval platforms. The integration of French sonar systems on both the helicopters and the ships indicated a coordinated acquisition strategy aimed at building a layered maritime defense network. These developments were interpreted at the time as positioning Algeria to assume a more active role in submarine detection and engagement operations in the Mediterranean region. Leonardo formally confirmed the Algerian contract only in 2025, stating that the order had been placed at the end of 2022.

The AW159 has 95% new components compared to the earlier Super Lynx and was designed for a 12,000-hour airframe lifespan. The airframe is marinised, and its wheeled landing gear is strengthened for shipboard operations. It is powered by two LHTEC CTS800-4N turboshaft engines, each rated at 1,361 horsepower, driving BERP IV rotor blades. These engines support a maximum takeoff weight of 6,000 kg and provide a maximum speed of 311 km/h. The Wildcat has an operational range of 777 km and a ferry range of 963 km. With auxiliary fuel tanks, the endurance can be extended to four hours and thirty minutes. The standard crew consists of two pilots, with additional capacity for up to six passengers or mission equipment, depending on the role.

The helicopter is equipped with a digital open systems architecture and a glass cockpit featuring four multifunction displays. It can integrate several mission systems, including the Seaspray 7400E active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and the Wescam MX-15 electro-optical/infrared turret. The Wildcat’s avionics systems include subsystems supplied by Thales, BAE Systems, and General Dynamics, including encrypted data storage and processing systems. It also incorporates the Bowman communications system for secure voice and data links. The aircraft's defensive suite includes missile warning sensors, infrared exhaust suppressors, and countermeasure dispensers. Some export variants are equipped with Compact FLASH sonar and sonobuoy dispensers for ASW operations; the UK’s HMA2 variant does not include a dipping sonar but relies on other platforms for sub-surface targeting data.

The Wildcat can carry various types of weaponry depending on the mission profile. For anti-surface missions, the helicopter can be fitted with up to 20 Thales Martlet (FASGW Light) missiles on four launchers. For larger targets, it can carry up to four MBDA Sea Venom (FASGW Heavy) missiles, which are expected to reach full operational capability in 2026. These systems replace the older Sea Skua missiles. For ASW roles, the helicopter can carry two Sting Ray, MU90, or Blue Shark torpedoes, and can also deploy sonobuoys or Mk.11 depth charges depending on configuration. According to South Korean usage profiles, the Wildcat can remain on station for over three hours when equipped with a FLASH dipping sonar alone, two hours with a sonar and one torpedo, and one hour with a sonar and two torpedoes. Export variants have included specific adaptations for national requirements, such as the integration of Spike NLOS missiles for the Republic of Korea Navy.