Second Leonardo AW169B for Austrian Armed Forces with Italian test registration CSX82088 (construction number 72017), next one to be delivered to Bundesheer (Austrian Armed Forces).
At the end of 2022 the options for an additional 18 helicopters were exercised as part of the Italy-Austria Government to Government initiative aimed at strengthening the bilateral collaboration between the two countries and establishing a strategic partnership in the helicopter field.
On 20 December 2021, the Austrian government signed a government-to-government (G2G) agreement with Italy for the purchase of eighteen Leonardo AW169M Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) to replace the Bundesheer obsolete 21 strong fleet of Alouette 3 helicopters.
As stated in Scramble magazine article, the purchase will be divided in six AW169Bs training variant and 12 AW169MAs advanced multirole variant with integrated mission equipment and weapon systems.
The AW169M LUH, thanks to its extraordinary performance and unique and next-generation capabilities, as well as comprehensive and specific support and training services for multi-role missions, is the most advanced and effective technological solution to meet the stringent operator requirements. The AW169M LUHs will be able to perform a wide range of missions in support of the needs of the Austrian defense and the national community such as troop transport, combat, civil protection, major emergency response, firefighting, mountain rescue and medical rescue.
First one painted, look here: First AW169 for Bundesheer