First flight Israeli Air Force AW119M
The first AW119M Koala helicopter for the Heyl Ha'Avir (IAF, Israeli Air Force) made its first flight at its new homebase Hatzerim Air Base (Israel) on 26 May 2024.
The Koala, a MkII model, carried full Israeli markings and serial number 301. It still carried test registration N183SH (c/n 15001). It is not known yet when the training helicopter will be formally handed over.
In Israeli service, the helicopter is named Ofer and will be operated by the Flight Training School (FTS) Vihiys Latisah, part of the IAF Flight Academy at Hatzerim Air Base, where it will replace the Bell OH-58B Saifan helicopters.
In December 2019, Leonardo Helicopters received a USD 38 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) contract for the first seven helicopters. In September 2020, five more AW119Ms were ordered under a reciprocal agreement with Italy.
However, it took untill April 2022 when Leonardo Helicopters received a USD 29 million modification contract from the US Army Contracting Command for additional work on the AW119M Koala contract for Israel.
Credit photo: Leonardo Helicopters