Dal 4 al 7 di marzo, il Comando Generale della Guardia di Finanza ha organizzato, presso l’aeroporto di Pratica di Mare (Pomezia), delle sessioni fotografiche per poter documentare le ultime attività di volo di “Volpe 218”, per alcuni addetti stampa è stata anche concesso la possibilità di imbarcarsi su di un MH-169A per effettuare delle riprese air-to-air.

English translation by Matteo Buono

The service of the Guardia di Finanza’s (Italian Custom Police) AB-412HP helicopter, now designated HH-412C, has ended after nearly 32 years of operation as it officially entered in service on May 25, 1993.
The “412” has always been recognized as a highly reliable helicopter, with versatile multirole operational capabilities.
Generations of “Fiamme Gialle” pilots were trained on the AB-412 and completed all kinds of flight missions with it — missions always carried out with the confidence that they were at the controls of a helicopter they could ask much of, and which indeed gave much in return to the Servizio Aereo (Flight Department) of the corps.
Throughout its over three-decade career, approximately 75,000 flight hours were logged. The model was employed in the following Sezioni Aeree (Flight Squadrons) of the corps:
Naples – Grottaglie – Catania – Pisa – Varese (based in Venegono Superiore) – Bolzano – Bari – Cagliari Elmas – Pratica di Mare.
A total of 22 units were delivered, in two variants differing only in a few details:
• The maritime version (Type A), from Volpe 201 to Volpe 214 and from Volpe 219 to Volpe 222 (the last delivered).
• The mountain version (Type B), from Volpe 215 to Volpe 218.
The mountain version was characterized by a higher landing skid, the presence of wire cutters, and the absence of a radar within the upper radome. However, the radar could be retrofitted if necessary. This lighter version, designated "mountain version," was primarily used by the Varese and Bolzano squadron.
The maritime version, on the other hand, featured a lower landing skid and an additional fuel tank installed in the rear left section of the cabin, essential for long-duration maritime missions. The equipment also included an HF radio, recognizable by the antenna on the tail boom, along with some minor additional details.
On October 18, 2022, the Niger Air Force (Armée de l’Air du Niger) took delivery of Volpe 207 and Volpe 211 at Niamey Airport (Air Base 101). These helicopters were donated by Italy and sourced from Guardia di Finanza stock. Subsequently, Volpe 206 and Volpe 214 were also delivered, bringing the total to four AB-412 helicopters.
Today, criminal organizations have changed their face and strategies, but the Guardia di Finanza continues its technological evolution to meet new threats. The AW139 (PH-139D), the state-of-the-art replacement for the AB-412, and the MH-169A replacing the NH-500 and AW-109N, will ensure even more advanced surveillance and security, reinforcing the Corps’ commitment to the fight against illicit trafficking.
From March 4 to 7, the General Command of the Guardia di Finanza organized photographic sessions at Pratica di Mare Airport (Pomezia) to document the final flight activities of “Volpe 218.” Some press personnel were even given the opportunity to board an MH-169A to conduct air-to-air footage.
On March 13, during the final flight of “Volpe 218,” commemorative decals were applied to the helicopter in honor of the AB-412 fleet’s thirty-year service. After the traditional photo ceremony, the decals were removed, and the helicopter departed on its last flight to Leonardo Spa’s production facility in Anagni (Frosinone).