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The Ministry of Defense of Ecuador completes the acquisition of seven helicopters Leonardo AW139M that will arrive in the country from 2027-28. Photo Leonardo
In a key move to modernize the country's rotary wing capabilities, The technical and contractual details of the acquisition by the Ecuadorian State of seven AW139M helicopters from the Italian manufacturer Leonardo have been revealed. The process includes a comprehensive package that includes logistical support and training for the country's crews and technical personnel..
Ecuador selects the AW139M
It should be noted, which will not be the first operation of AW helicopters in the Armed Forces of the Ecuador, since the FAE currently has a fleet of 4 version aircraft AW119.
The Leonardo AW139M is a state-of-the-art twin-engine helicopter that stands out in the military field for its advanced integrated digital avionics and cutting-edge navigation systems.. Designed under a multi-mission architecture with three operational versions adaptable to the environment, This model has a cabin that is fully compatible with night vision devices. (NPA) and a robust flight capability both under visual rules (VFR) as by instruments (IFR). further, Its design prioritizes safety through the implementation of critical redundant systems in its hydraulic and electrical circuits, which gives it high reliability and survivability in complex missions ranging from tactical troop transport and search and rescue (SAR) to maritime interdiction and the transfer of high authorities.
Distribution of the fleet by branches of the Armed Forces
As revealed by Ecuavisa, The contract establishes a strategic distribution of the seven state-of-the-art units between the different branches of the Armed Forces and the transportation of high authorities:
- Ground Force (Ecuadorian Army): Of the units.
- Ecuadorian Navy (Naval Force): Of the units.
- Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE): Two tactical operational units.
- VIP configuration / Authorities: A unit specifically intended for the transportation of the presidency and high authorities of the State.
In accordance with the technical specifications of the requirement, These aircraft will operate in three basic versions adapted to fulfill troop transport and supply missions., aeromedical evacuation (MEDEVAC), search and rescue (SAR), military operations, recognition, hydrocarbon safety, fire suppression and maritime interdiction in the case of the naval version.
Unit costs and total budget
The total reference budget of the contract amounts to USD 209.880.001,00 (two hundred nine million eight hundred eighty thousand one dollars with 00/100). For the execution of the project, The State grants an advance payment equivalent to 21,44% of the total value, corresponding to a fixed amount of USD 45.000.000,00.
The breakdown of the approximate unit costs for each product and service is as follows:
- AW139M Navy Helicopter: USD 28.129.750,00 per unit (two units in total).
- AW139M FFTT helicopter (Ground Force): USD 27.161.970,50 per unit (two units in total).
- AW139M FAE helicopter: USD 27.057.030,00 per unit (two units in total).
- AW139M Helicopter Authorities (VIP): USD 26.526.500,00 (one unit).
- Logistics support, equipment and tools: USD 18.003.040,00.
- Operational and technical training (40 quotas): USD 652.960,00.
Schedule and delivery times
The payment scheme is directly linked to the physical delivery times of the goods and logistical milestones.:
- First delivery (until the 19 months): Watch the arrival of the first two aircraft (a Navy unit and the VIP configuration unit of Authorities), along with the completion of the operational and technical training program.
- second delivery (until the 20 months): Reception of two additional units (one corresponding to the FAE and the second unit for the Navy).
- Third installment (until the 24 months): Reception of the last three units (the two corresponding to the Land Force and the remaining one to the FAE), complementing the final batch along with the tools, support equipment and the main logistical support block.
Leonardo's AW139M multi-mission platform, equipped with modern state-of-the-art digital avionics, flight capability under VFR and IFR rules, night vision compatibility (NPA) and redundant safety-critical systems, It will represent a technological leap for joint operations and national defense in Ecuadorian airspace.
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