AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat
The Lynx reborn — new airframe, CTS800 engines and a digital cockpit, with only ~5% common parts · First flight 2009 · In service 2014
Launched as the Future Lynx, the AW159 keeps the Lynx layout but is a largely new helicopter — only about 5% of its components are interchangeable with earlier Lynx. It first flew at Yeovil on 12 November 2009, powered by two LHTEC CTS800-4N turboshafts. The UK ordered 34 AH1s for the Army and 28 HMA2s for the Royal Navy; all 62 were delivered by 2024.
The Army Air Corps put the Wildcat AH1 into service on 29 August 2014 for reconnaissance and utility roles, and the Royal Navy's HMA2 made its first operational deployment aboard HMS Lancaster in March 2015. The naval version carries the Seaspray AESA radar, the lightweight Martlet missile and Sting Ray torpedoes; the heavier Sea Venom anti-ship missile reached initial operating capability in October 2025.
South Korea and the Philippines bought naval Wildcats, and Algeria has three on order. In July 2019 Royal Marines from 42 Commando used a Wildcat to board the tanker Grace 1 off Gibraltar. The UK's 2026 defence investment plan envisages replacing the type, with the Army AH1 going first.
