DATE:16/03/10
SOURCE:Flight International
Italian navy to deploy AW101s to Afghanistan
By Luca Peruzzi
Italy will deploy three of its AgustaWestland AW101 amphibious support helicopters to Afghanistan in October for a 12-month tour of duty.
The "Task Group Shark" detachment will involve aircraft from the navy's 1st Helicopter Squadron at Luni, plus 55 personnel and an aeromedical evacuation team, assigned to the International Security Assistance Force's Regional Command West structure.
The aircraft are meanwhile being equipped with improved ballistic protection, defensive aids equipment and 7.62mm machine guns.
The navy has previously deployed Agusta-Bell AB212s and Sikorksy SH-3D Sea Kings to Afghanistan, but the high terrain and medical evacuation mission demands mean a more capable aircraft is required.