Leonardo and the Algerian Ministry of National Defence have established a joint venture for the local assembly, sale and support of Leonardo helicopters.

AW101 helicopter (Picture source: Leonardo)

Announcing the joint venture on 25 March, Leonardo said that it will own 49% while the Algerian defence ministry will own the other 51%. Headquarters will be in a new facility at Ain Arnat in Setif Province.

Leonardo said the joint venture is planned to assemble, sell and support several helicopter models, primarily to meet Algeria’s national requirements, but also for the export market. In addition, the joint venture will provide the end users with technical support, maintenance and training services and capabilities.

Over the last decade Leonardo has supplied nearly 100 helicopters to different Algerian government departments, including the Algerian Air Force, Presidency, Gendarmerie, Marine, Police Service and civil protection units. This includes eight AW101s, 24 AW109s (ten for the Police and 14 for the Gendarmerie), eight AW119 Koalas for pilot training, 20 AW139s (six for the Civil Protection Department, 11 for the Air Force and three for the Navy) and ten Super Lynx for the Navy.