The Navy will replace its old Fennec with AW109 helicopters after an official agreement
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The National Government formalized an international financing agreement for the acquisition of light naval helicopters intended for the Argentine Navy. This constitutes a decision that aims to recover strategic naval aviation capabilities and reinforce surveillance of the South Atlantic.
The measure was formalized through Decree 924/2025, published in the Official Gazette, which authorizes the signing of a credit agreement with Crédit Agricole Corporate & Investment Bank (CACIB). The financing amounts to 71,676,175 euros and has coverage from an Export Credit Agency, which allows for more favorable conditions for the Argentine State.
Leonardo AW109, un helicóptero ligero multipropósito de origen italiano
The central objective of the program is to increase the capacity for surveillance, patrolling, and control of maritime areas under national jurisdiction through the incorporation of modern embarked assets.
Formalization and replacement of obsolete assets
Unlike preliminary announcements,the decree explicitly establishes the approval of the financing. In addition, it stipulates that all funds must be allocated exclusively to the purchase of the aircraft, with no possibility of diversions or increases in the amount.
The Central Bank of the Argentine Republic indicated thatthe operation will have a small macroeconomic impact on the balance of payments. Likewise, the National Public Credit Office of the Ministry of Economy endorsed the loan, considering that its financial cost is lower than what could be obtained in international markets.
Helicóptero Leonardo AW109 en operación marítima
The decision responds to a historic operational need of Naval Aviation. The helicopters currently in service are the Eurocopter AS-555SN Fennec, acquired in 1996 to operate from MEKO 360 destroyers. These aircraft replaced the Alouette III at the time, but today they are at the end of their service life.
Of the four Fennec units originally incorporated, only one remains operational, which significantly reduced the capacity for embarked surveillance and air support for surface units.
The new AW109 and the recovery of embarked capabilities
The selected model is the Leonardo AW109, a light multipurpose helicopter of Italian origin, designed to operate embarked on offshore patrol vessels and other naval units. These are aircraft suitable for maritime surveillance missions, search and rescue (SAR), and support for high-seas control operations.
Helicóptero AW109 operando desde un buque en alta mar
In 2024, the Navy and the Ministry of Defense had already signed the contract for the acquisition of four AW109SP helicopters. These also include a flight simulator, training for personnel, tools, and spare parts. Although the original project contemplated up to eight units, the first phase was adjusted to four aircraft, with the possibility of future expansion.
The aircraft will be assigned to the 1st Naval Helicopter Squadron and will operate from coastal and offshore patrol vessels, in particular the OPVs, which require embarked air assets to substantially extend their patrol radius.
The political decision to invest in sovereignty
The formalization of this financing is part of a political decision to modernize defense, aimed at restoring basic capabilities after decades of underinvestment. In this context, the Government seeks to move forward with military re-equipment through sustainable financial schemes with concrete operational impact.
The incorporation of the AW109 will make it possible to improve control of the Exclusive Economic Zone, strengthen presence in the South Atlantic, and provide the Navy with modern and efficient assets. This is in line with other recent decisions in defense matters, such as the acquisition of F-16 fighters.
