– Anna Simpson – 23rd October 2026 at 9:38am
An AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter has debuted on board HMS Sutherland during her current period of operational sea training.
The Type 23 frigate demonstrated her adaptability working with the aircraft during a series of deck landings, which the ship posted on X.
The warship usually carries a Wildcat HMA2 or a Merlin Mk2, but this time operated with the AgustaWestland-designed heli – although the company is now called Leonardo.
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HMS Sutherland is training off the South Coast alongside Indian navy frigate INS Trishul, Norwegian frigate HNoMS Otto Sverdrup and German frigate FGS Hessen.
Following a visit to HMNB Devonport, the training schedule has included multiple warfighting and damage control exercises, including a simulated major machinery space fire.
At the start of October, the Royal Navy announced the inclusion of INS Trishul – the Indian navy’s frontline guided missile stealth frigate – to help improve bilateral ties and maritime cooperation between India and the UK.
The collaborative exercises have so far focused on advanced seamanship manoeuvres, communication procedures and joint tactical exercises.
AW139 v AW149
The civilian-operated AW139 – with the CAA registration G-FOST – works with the Royal Navy’s Fleet Operational Standards and Training unit.
The RAF and Army will also be getting a Leonardo aircraft – the AW149.
Both are medium-sized, twin-engine helicopters, but while the AW139 is built to civilian specifications, the AW149 is built to military spec.
It has an enhanced payload and crash-protection capacity, and replaces the Puma that was retired in March 2025.
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