Botswana is set to enhance its presidential air transport capability with the arrival of a new AW189K helicopter, expected to be delivered to the Botswana Defence Force (BDF) next month. According to reports from HeliHub.com, the aircraft has been acquired from Italian aerospace manufacturer Leonardo and is currently undergoing final test flights in Italy.
The AW189K is the high-performance variant of Leonardo’s successful AW189 multirole helicopter family. It is equipped with two powerful 2,500 hp Safran Aneto-1K turboshaft engines — a significant upgrade over the General Electric CT7-2E1 engines used in standard AW189 models, which deliver a maximum take-off power of 1,985 hp. The enhanced powerplant improves hot-and-high performance and overall payload capability, making the aircraft well-suited for VIP and demanding mission profiles.
HeliHub.com notes that the helicopter recently conducted a series of test flights, confirming its readiness for delivery. The airframe itself has an interesting lineage within Leonardo’s production history. The AW189K was originally announced with Gulf Helicopters as the launch customer, but the operator ultimately received GE-powered AW189s instead. The first AW189K built, painted in Gulf Helicopters’ colours, was later converted into an AW149 demonstrator for the British military’s NMH (New Medium Helicopter) programme, intended to replace the Puma fleet. It was subsequently reconfigured for offshore operations and delivered to Brazil’s Omni Táxi Aéreo as PR-OOW.
A second AW189K, this one in a VIP layout, was delivered to Qatar in 2023, featuring a distinctive white-and-burgundy finish aligned with the nation’s flag. The third airframe — now linked to Botswana — has been spotted in a livery matching the BDF’s VIP Airbus H225, including the Botswana flag displayed on the engine cowlings.
Delivery to Botswana is anticipated within the next one to two months. Defence analysts estimate that an AW189 fitted with a full VVIP interior can cost up to USD 27 million, exceeding P200 million. Once inducted into service, the AW189K will become one of the most advanced VIP helicopters in southern Africa, further modernising the BDF’s executive airlift fleet.
