Portugal has ordered five Leonardo Helicopters AW119Kx light-singles for multirole missions in a deal worth over €20 million ($23 million).

To be operated by the nation's air force, deliveries of the helicopters are due to begin from Leonardo's Philadelphia, Pennsylvania production facility in late 2018, running until 2020.

A further two aircraft are covered by options, the manufacturer says.

The AW119Kx helicopters will be used to perform a wide range of roles including training, medical evacuation, troop transport and short-range maritime search and rescue.

Portugal currently operates a fleet of eight Aérospatiale SA316 Alouette III light helicopters in the role.

Source: FlightGlobal.com