Italy Plots Naval Debut for Mangusta Attack Helicopter

Italian army and navy representatives have signed an agreement that will enable future operations of the Army Aviation command's AgustaWestland AW129C Mangusta attack helicopters to take place from surface vessels.

Contained within the Italian defence ministry's joint force projection from the sea programme, the initiative will lead to army personnel qualifying navy instructor pilots to fly the Mangusta. This will subsequently allow them to train and approve army crews to operate from the navy's amphibious ships and helicopter carriers.