Modification to Egypt Air Force AW149s

On 14 July 2022, an Al Quwwat Al Jawwiya Il Misriya (EgAF, Egypt Air Force) AW149 was photographed during a test flight. The helicopter, serial 44 (c/n 49087) and test registration CSX82057, has extended exhaust nozzles and was flying with rocket launchers on the pylons.

Previous EgAF AW149s were not seen with these adjustments. In 2019, Egypt ordered 24 AW149s and eight AW189s. The contract, valued at €871 million was not officially reported, but eventually the sale was recorded in the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation's 2019 arms exports report to the Italian Senate of the Republic.

According to the Scramble Magazine database seven AW149 naval versions have been delivered so far with two more on order. These AW149s are painted in a red and white colourscheme. Serials known for the naval version are 30 until 38, all are/will be operated by 11 Squadron under the 545 Air Wing (545 AW) at Borg-al-Arab air base. These AW149s replaced the Commando Mk.2s.

Starting from serial 39, which are painted in a desert camouflage scheme, five AW149s have been delivered (39 until 43) and are operated by 14 Squadron under the 545 Air Wing, also based at Borg-al-Arab air base. These AW149s replaced the naval SA342L Gazelles in 14 Squadron.

Photo by Capenti Tiziano