AgustaWestland and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace are pleased to announce the delivery of three AW139 medium twin turbine engine helicopters to the Japan Coast Guard.
The AW139s will be deployed at Japan Coast Guard bases throughout Japan and used to perform maritime search and rescue and patrol missions.

These helicopters were ordered in late 2006 as the initial phase of a replacement programme for up to 24 helicopters. The AW139s are equipped for all-weather, day/night and ship-based operations, with a comprehensive mission equipment package that includes a rescue hoist, high definition FLIR, communications and navigation equipment package.

Giacomo Saponaro, Senior Vice President International Business Unit, AgustaWestland said “The Japan Coast Guard is acknowledged as one of the leading maritime search and rescue and patrol organisation in the world and the selection and introduction into service of the AW139 by them is a great honour for AgustaWestland. The AW139 has steadily become the helicopter of choice for maritime search and rescue operations around the world and we know the AW139 will serve the Japan Coast Guard and the people of Japan successfully for many years.”



The selection of the AW139 by the Japan Coast Guard highlights the increasing success of AgustaWestland in the Japanese helicopter market and builds upon the successful entry into service of the JMSDF MCH101 Airborne Mine Counter Measures helicopters and the CH101 Antarctic Observation helicopter as well as sales of the AW109 Power and AW139 helicopters to the Japan National Police Agency and the AW101 to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. More than 80 AgustaWestland helicopters have been sold in Japan for various roles and over 50 aircraft have already been delivered.

AgustaWestland Press Release 31/03/2008