The Argentine Army on 24 January received the first five of 20 Agusta Bell AB 206 helicopters that it purchased from the Italian government, an army source told Jane’s.

Negotiations for this purchase began in 2009 and lasted until a final agreement was reached and budget allocated in 2017. The other 15 aircraft are expected to arrive before the end of February, including a batch of spares, stretchers, and 7.62 mm miniguns, the source said.

The helicopters are to be used for training, liaison, medical evacuation, and escort missions.