Uruguay has purchased an AB-412 HP helicopter, previously utilized by the Italian Finance Guard (GdF), from Leonardo. The Finance Guard has decommissioned this helicopter in favor of more modern models, AW139 and AW169.
The helicopter will join the two AB-412 CPs, formerly of the Coast Guard / Harbormasters, in service with the National Armada since 2020 for maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) duties.
The new helicopter in Uruguay will be equipped with a naval surveillance radar taking advantage of the radome located above the cockpit.
Additionally, the electronic suite will be restored and mounts for armament deployment, typically machine guns, will be installed to make the AB-412 HP capable of armed support missions.
Photo credit @Aeronautica Militare
