JMSDF: Leonardo And KHI Sign Contract For Additional MCH-101 Helicopters

Leonardo and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) signed a contract for additional MCH101 naval helicopters for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), and it marked the start of a mid-life upgrade (MLU) programme for the type in Japan.

The MCH-101 is a license-built version of the Leonardo AW101 helicopter. The signing, which follows the order for one aircraft placed in 2022, was made as Leonardo, KHI, and Marubeni Aerospace Corporation celebrate a 20-year partnership in the helicopter market and the Japanese AW101 programme.

Leonardo And Kawasaki Heavy Industries Sign JMSDF Contract For Additional  MCH-101 Helicopters - MilitaryLeak

The JMSDF has ten MCH-101s for mine countermeasure and transportation missions and three CH-101s for utility transport used to support Japan’s Antarctic research activities, ensuring commonality within the fleet. The update programme, which launched this year, will see a batch of aircraft updated to the latest avionics configuration for the MCH-101, aligned to the new helicopters’ configuration and enabling the enhancement of the JMSDF’s operational effectiveness.

For two decades, Leonardo, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Marubeni Aerospace have collaborated on theMCH-101, with KHI as the prime contractor and Leonardo providing technical support for the platform.

Marubeni Aerospace Corporation acts as Leonardo’s Distributor and is responsible for spares, ground support equipment and services.

“We are proud of our close partnership with Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Marubeni Aerospace and today we are excited to celebrate this important milestone and contract. It emphasises the AW101’s important role in Japan’s defence, as well as the outstanding capabilities it delivers among operators worldwide.”

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters

Adam Clarke, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters UK, said: “This contract demonstrates the key role that Britain’s only helicopter manufacturer plays in global defence. Through this significant partnership with Japanese industry, exports from Leonardo’s helicopter business are contributing millions of pounds to the UK economy. We look forward to many more years working together, creating important technologies to help the customer deliver a range of challenging missions.”

Leonardo wins contract from Japan Navy for additional MCH-101 naval  helicopter

“We are proud that Japan’s MCH-101 programme was able to launch additional procurement with the latest specifications and the MLU. Japan, the United Kingdom, and Italy all have this excellent platform. We anticipate that there may be common operational requirements in each country, and the introduction of common equipment on the platform can effectively contribute to strengthening the defence capabilities of each country.”


Kenya Takaha, Executive Senior General Manger, Marketing Division Aerospace System Company at Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI)

KHI delivered the first AW101 aircraft to the JMSDF on 24 May 2006. In 2015 the first Airborne Mine Counter Measures equipped MCH-101 was delivered to the JMSDF. The AW101/MCH-101 primary task is Airborne Mine Counter Measure and is one of only two helicopter types capable of towing the AN/AQS-24A, the only operationally-proven, high-speed airborne mine hunting system in the world.

Japan eyeing fresh order of AW101 helicopters | News | Flight Global

The unique 3-engine configuration allows for safe operations when towing at low altitude and slow speeds. The first aircraft entered operational service in 2016 and the operator achieved more than 25,000 flight hours in 2021.

Related Posts

30 diseños de uñas de los pies llamativos para un look inolvidable

El arte de las uñas se ha convertido en un aspecto esencial de las rutinas de belleza modernas, ya que permite a las personas expresar su creatividad y estilo personal….

Read more

25+ ideas inspiradoras rápidas para uñas florales cortas

En la búsqueda de un estilo fresco y lleno de color, las uñas cortas ofrecen una tela en blanco perfecta para la creatividad. Aquí te presentamos algunas ideas rápidas de…

Read more

Poseer UÑAS CORTAS atrae todas las miradas

  Short nails can be just as amazing and elegant as long nails. Don’t underestimate its potential! Instead of focusing on length, pay attention to design and care. Short nails…

Read more

40+ Diseños de Uñas que Despertarán una Pasión Irresistible en Ti

Sumérgete en el emocionante mundo de la belleza de uñas con más de 20 diseños cautivadores que despertarán una pasión irresistible en ti. Desde sutiles obras maestras hasta audaces expresiones…

Read more

Ideas rápidas e inspiradoras para uñas cortas azules

En un mundo donde la comunicación global es esencial, la habilidad de entender y expresarse en diferentes idiomas se convierte en un activo invaluable. Desde la riqueza cultural hasta las…

Read more

40 adorables ideas de uñas cortas para tu look moderno

Las uñas cortas suelen ser famosas por su practicidad y facilidad de mantenimiento, pero también pueden ser un lienzo para diseños adorables y modernos.Profundicemos en algunas ideas de uñas cortas…

Read more

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *