AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat is a versatile, multi-role military helicopter developed for the armed services of Italy and the United Kingdom.

The rotorcraft can operate across land and maritime domains, with missions that include search and rescue, aerial reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, command and control, maritime lift and troop transport.

Currently, 72 AW159 helicopters are in service, operated by the United Kingdom, South Korea, Italy and the Philippines, with the vast majority operated by the British Army and Royal Navy.

The AW159's distinctive design and features enable its multi-mission capability, while its advanced airframe, avionics and powerful LHTEC CTS800-4N turboshaft engines contribute to enhanced survivability and operational flexibility.

The rotorcraft can travel at top speeds of 160 knots for a range of 280 nautical miles. It has a lift capacity of one ton and a maximum gross takeoff weight of 6,050kg, empowering lift and transport missions.

The AW159 maritime variant, known as HMA2, operates from Royal Navy frigates and destroyers, bringing airpower to any maritime mission.

This variant is specifically designed for a high level of pilot control capability, ensuring seamless landings during all weather conditions at sea.

It is required to be able to carry eight Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapons up to 185km away from its host ship and remain on standby for up to an hour.

To bolster its maritime survivability, the Wildcat has a suite of safety features including a Four-bag Flotation System, Crash Position Indicator (CPI) and Sonar Locating Beacon.

Anti-submarine capabilities

The AW159's maritime variant brings a range of capabilities to enable antisubmarine warfare.

Outfitted with a sophisticated sensor suite that includes dipping sonar, sonobuoy launchers and surface search radar, the Wildcat can detect, track and identify underwater threats in complex maritime environments.

Its ordnance includes an array of anti-ship and anti-armor missiles, torpedoes, and a crew-served heavy machine gun. This weaponry empowers the AW159 and its crew to conduct multi-domain find, fix and strike missions.

The AW159's systems prioritize the efficient collection, processing and assessment of data to enhance the crew’s situational awareness and ability to relay information back to the associated ship.

The Wildcat's ability to integrate with ship-based combat systems and relay targeting data in real time also makes it a valuable asset for fleet protection.

The rotorcraft demonstrated its high-level communication and scouting capabilities on March 8, when it played a key role in a major Royal Navy drug bust.

HMS Lancaster dispatched its Wildcat helicopter upon noticing suspicious activity on two side-by-side vessels in the northern Arabian Sea.

After receiving confirmation from the Wildcat, the Lancaster approached, culminating in a 5.4 million pound ($7.2 million) seizure of 319kg of heroin and 83 kg of methamphetamine from the vessel.