Pakistan has signed a contract with Leonardo-Finmeccanica for an undisclosed number of AW139 helicopters, the company announced Thursday. Photo courtesy Leonardo-Finmeccanica

ROME, Aug. 5 (UPI) -- Pakistan has signed a contract with Leonardo-Finmeccanica for an undisclosed number of AW139 helicopters, the company announced Thursday.

The twin-engine helicopters will be used for transport and EMS missions, Leonardo said in a statement.


Pakistan is one of several countries who have chosen or a already operating the AW139 for a range of government roles, including Italy, Ireland, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Thailand, the company said.

The helicopter has one-engine inoperative capabilities, even in hot and high operating conditions, making the aircraft well suited to operate in harsh temperatures and high altitudes.

An advanced integrated cockpit minimizes pilot workload.

The company also announced this week that the Italian coast guard has ordered two more of the helicopters.