Latvia State Border Guard orders two AW119Kx helicopters from Leonardo

Latvia State Border Guard has awarded a contract to Leonardo for two AW119Kx single engine helicopters.

The contract comes with an option for the provision of an additional helicopter and aircrew/maintenance technician training services.

The award follows an assessment of competing units within the framework of the Ministry of the Interior’s helicopter fleet modernisation programme.

The two AW119Kx helicopters will carry out round-the-clock day/night operations along with two AW109 Power light twins, which are already in service with the State Border Guard.

Work under the contract will be carried out from the company’s facility in Philadelphia, US, with delivery of the helicopters slated to take place in 2019.

So far, approximately 300 AW119s have been ordered by more than 120 customers in almost 40 nations. ​

The aircraft has already been selected by many law enforcement operators in the US, China, Republic of Korea, Finland, and Brazil among others.

The aircraft, which will replace two ageing AB206B JetRangers, will be deployed to conduct missions including search and rescue (SAR), transport, firefighting and disaster relief.

Features of the AW119Kx are an advanced avionics system for improved situational awareness, mission effectiveness and safety, and a large cabin.

The AW119Kx can accommodate up to six passengers.