Royal Navy Merlins head to the Med for NATO ASW exercise

A Royal Navy helicopter squadron is taking part in NATO's largest Mediterranean anti-submarine exercise for the first time. 814 Sqn have flown their Merlin helicopters from RNAS Culdrose to Sicily for Exercise Proud Manta. Ships, aircraft and submarines from several NATO nations will take part in the exercise.

Royal Navy's Merlin upgrade on track

Having advanced to the flight testing phase in late 2010, the Royal Navy's upgrade programme for the AW101 Merlin multi-mission helicopters is on track. It is planned to introduce an operational fleet of 30 HM2-standard aircraft by 2014.

Italy orders DIRCM systems for transports, helicopters

A three year contract has been awarded to Elettronica to supply the ELT/572 directional infrared countermeasures equipment for installation on Italian Air Force transport aircraft and helicopters. The firm will develop, integrate and ground-test DIRCM installation for the C-27J, C-130J transports and AW101 helicopter.

Italian navy deploys first AW101s to Afghanistan

The Italian navy's first combat deployment with the type, Task Group Shark's three AgustaWestland AW101 amphibious and special forces support helicopters have arrived in Afghanistan in October and are now operational. The Task Group deployed to Herat air base by US Air Force Boeing C-17 strategic along with 67 personnel.

Enhanced Merlin takes to the air

Two months ahead of schedule, the first upgraded AgustaWestland Merlin Mk2 helicopter for the Royal Navy has made its first flight. The upgrade improves mission capabilities through improvements to the helicopter's radar, sonar and other refinements. 30 UK Royal Navy Merlin Mk1s are to be upgraded.

Italian Navy deploys AW101 to Afghanistan

Italy has announced that three Italian Navy AW-101 helicopters wii arrive in Afghanistan in mid-October to start a 12 month tour. The helicopters are being flown to Afghanistan by a U.S. Air Force C-17, and will be based with Italian forces in Herat.

Portuguese AF unhappy with Merlins

The Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa) have expressed frustration with the availability of the service’s AW101 Merlin SAR helicopters. The serviceability issues have forced the retention of some of the FAP's SAR Pumas.

Royal Navy tests Merlin; Stingray torpedoes

The Royal Navy has spent a week testing the Merlin helicopter's sensors and weapons at the British Underwater Test and Evaluation Centre. The tests included firing eight Stingray Mod 1 torpedoes in simulated attacks.