Israel Expands AW119Kx Light Utility Helicopter Fleet Under $150M U.S.-Cleared Sale Package.

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel for additional AW119Kx light utility helicopters and associated support, according to a January 30, 2026, notice from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The 150 million USD package strengthens Israel’s rotary wing capacity while deepening long-term training and sustainment ties with the United States.

According to information released by the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency on January 30, 2026, the State Department has authorized a possible Foreign Military Sale to Israel covering additional Leonardo AW119Kx light utility helicopters, along with a broad package of training, logistics, and sustainment services. The formal certification was transmitted to Congress, clearing the way for an expansion of a previously approved case that had remained below the statutory congressional notification threshold, a process commonly used to scale mature defense programs.
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An AW119Kx light utility helicopter in flight, illustrating the militarized Kx configuration selected by Israel for training, liaison, and multi-role utility missions. (Picture source: Leonardo)

The request submitted by the Israeli government covers additional AW119Kx airframes, Aviation Ground Support Equipment, supplemental type certificate tools, and a broad range of spare and repair parts. It also includes engineering services, test equipment, technical publications, and logistics support to fully integrate the helicopters into Israel’s existing rotary-wing infrastructure. Training for aircrews and maintenance personnel, along with U.S. government and contractor technical assistance, forms a core element of the package, signaling an emphasis on rapid operational readiness rather than simple platform acquisition.

The AW119Kx, produced by Leonardo Helicopters, is a single-engine light utility helicopter explicitly configured for military training and operational support roles. The “Kx” designation is not a marketing label but identifies a militarized evolution of the original AW119K, developed to meet armed forces' requirements. The suffix reflects enhanced avionics, structural reinforcement, and expanded military certification standards that distinguish the aircraft from civilian or baseline utility variants.

Powered by a Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6B-37A engine delivering more than 1,000 shp, the AW119Kx offers strong hot-and-high performance suited to Israel’s desert and semi-arid operating environments. It's a fully digital glass cockpit, typically based on the Garmin G1000H avionics suite, that provides native support for night-vision goggles, instrument flight rules training, and advanced navigation profiles. This cockpit architecture mirrors that of modern frontline helicopters, enabling Israeli pilots to transition efficiently to more complex combat platforms.

From an analytical perspective, Army Recognition defense analysts assess that the AW119Kx occupies a critical operational niche within the light helicopter segment by combining functional payload capacity with endurance levels usually associated with larger platforms. Its spacious cabin layout and flat-floor design enable rapid role changes between troop transport, liaison, casualty evacuation, and light cargo missions without structural modifications. For Israel, this versatility is particularly valuable, as it enables the Israeli Air Force to conduct routine utility flights, border security support, and continuous training activity using a single, cost-efficient platform, while preserving medium transport and attack helicopters for higher-risk or combat-oriented missions where their capabilities are indispensable.

Structurally, the Kx variant incorporates crashworthy seating, energy-absorbing structures, reinforced landing gear, and redundant systems that enhance crew safety during intensive daily operations. Although the helicopter is not intended for contested combat airspace, Israeli defense officials familiar with the selection process indicated that survivability during peacetime and training missions, combined with high fleet availability, were decisive factors in its adoption.

The AW119Kx also aligns with Israel’s long-standing emphasis on operational independence and rapid turnaround. Its maintenance-friendly design allows straightforward access to critical components, reducing downtime and workforce requirements. The inclusion of supplemental type certificate tools in the expanded FMS package further indicates Israel’s intention to perform modifications, upgrades, and certification work domestically, ensuring the helicopter can be adapted quickly to evolving operational and training needs.

From a strategic standpoint, the expanded sale underscores the continued approach of the United States in reinforcing Israel’s qualitative military edge through enabling capabilities rather than headline combat systems. While the AW119Kx is unarmed, its contribution to pilot training quality, fleet efficiency, and logistical resilience directly supports Israel’s combat readiness by preserving advanced helicopters for frontline operations.

The notification does not specify delivery schedules, but sources close to the program suggest that additional AW119Kx helicopters and support elements for Israel could be integrated rapidly due to commonality with previously delivered helicopters. Once the congressional review period concludes, the AW119Kx is expected to become a central component of Israel’s rotary-wing ecosystem, supporting both daily operational requirements and the training of the next generation of Israeli military aviators.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.