An Italian Air Force Leonardo HH-139B helicopter, bearing serial MM81990, was recently present in Malta for a series of joint training activities with the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM). The visit forms part of ongoing bilateral military cooperation between the two countries, a relationship that has seen Italian Air Force helicopters regularly operating in Maltese airspace in support of shared regional security objectives.
The Italian Air Force operates two distinct variants of the Leonardo AW139 in the search-and-rescue and utility role, designated HH-139A and HH-139B. The newer B model incorporates a higher maximum take-off weight, updated avionics and sensor systems, and a dual-hoist rescue capability. Externally, it can be identified by its slimmer sponsons, reflecting the standard AW139 design.
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