Leonardo is pitching the AW159 Wildcat helicopter as a solution for New Zealand Defence’s maritime helicopter replacement (MHR) programme; will work with partners to establish a Wildcat Support Centre in Auckland.
Leonardo is collaborating with New Zealand industry partners, including SMEs via comprehensive Memoranda of Understanding (MoU). According to the announcement, the collaborative approach represents a cross-section of the best in Aotearoa’s engineering, manufacturing and technology sectors
Signed today, the MoU outlines technical and programme support, operations, maintenance, and job creation, which will foster a symbiotic relationship as part of Leonardo’s offering for the country’s MHR programme with its latest-generation AW159 multi-role helicopter.
Including Beca Applied Technologies, Core Aviation, Marops, Redfort Logistics Group, and United Machinists, the MoUs recognise the need to build resilience into the NZDF’s operations for the future through the country’s growing industrial capability.
“The MoUs with local industry in New Zealand highlights Leonardo’s commitment to supporting the country’s aviation industry.”
As part of its solution, Leonardo is offering the establishment of a Wildcat Support Centre (NZ) for the AW159 helicopters to be located within the operating base in Auckland and delivered through in collaboration with its domestic partners.
According to the announcement, the MoU “represents an investment in skills, design and manufacturing, sustainment of jobs for local businesses and potential opportunities for veterans, if Leonardo is successful with the MHR programme.”
Further, Leonardo states that the collaboration will enhance science and technology through maintenance support, simulation and training, across the country, bolstering New Zealand’s aerospace industry capabilities to support the Defence Force.
“The MoUs with local industry in New Zealand highlights Leonardo’s commitment to supporting the country’s aviation industry,” said Adam Clarke, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters UK.
“This collaboration will help foster the long-term growth and sustainability of jobs through domestic companies that provide services, maintenance, and technology capabilities for the New Zealand Defence Force with our AW159 Wildcat helicopter.”
The twin-engine multi-role AW159 is capable of conducting missions ranging from constabulary to high-end warfighting in which it can autonomously detect, identify and attack targets on land and at sea, including submarine threats. The platform’s systems include a Leonardo Seaspray multi-mode electronically-scanning (E-scan) radar and integrated electronic warfare Defensive Aids Suite, and it is fully Network-enabled.
With over 4,000 employees in 25 offices around the world, Beca supports a wide range of clients, including the provision of aviation consulting, simulator, and engineering services to the NZDF.
Core Aviation is an Auckland based aviation company with engineering, avionics and operational capability across fixed wing and helicopters from small to medium planes and helicopters to larger turboprop and jet aircraft.
Marops is a trusted Defence Partner specialising in developing innovative solutions and training resources for aeronautical, marine, utilities, infrastructure, & e-learning applications.
Redfort Logistics Group moves assets over long distances with specialised skills in helicopter, aviation, and freight logistics. United Machinists provides precision machined components for aerospace, electronics, automotive, medical and marine applications.
