New Helicopter Delivered to FMV

FMV Swedish Defence Material Agency, The Italian helicopter manufacturer AGUSTA WESTLAND has delivered the first helicopter Type Hkp 15 to FMV. 
 
FMV has been working for a number of years on the procurement of new helicopters for the Swedish Armed Forces. The purpose is to provide the Armed Forces with modern and more suitable helicopters capable of meeting both new and existing operational requirements. 
 
Since 2001 FMV and Agusta have been working to define the requirements and to develop this new military helicopter which has been given the international designation A109 LUH (Light Utility Helicopter). In Sweden it will be known as Hkp 15. 
 
Hkp 15 is the first helicopter to be delivered under the modernisation plan. A total of 20 helicopters have been ordered consisting of 12 Hkp15A and 8 Hkp15B. The helicopters are to be delivered over the period 2006-2009. The total cost of the whole package, including helicopters, training, equipment etc., is approximately SEK 1.4 billion. 
 
Hkp 15 will provide the platform for general aircrew training as well as its primary use for all tactical training for land and sea operations. There will therefore be two versions of the Hkp 15, the Hkp15A for land operations and the Hkp15B for operations at sea. The latter version will also be capable of operating with the Swedish Navy