The Polish Ground Forces has received their initial two AW149 helicopters during a ceremony conducted at the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade in Tomaszów Mazowiecki yesterday, marking the start of their operational service 15 months after the contract was finalized.
The latest Polish military helicopter configuration facilitates combat support missions among other functionalities. Fully aligning with the requirements of the Polish Armed Services, this configuration will also encompass various capabilities such as surveillance systems, small arms, guided/unguided munitions, and self-defense systems. The weaponry, dependent on helicopter variant and setup, can be mounted within the cabin or on the external hard points of the helicopter.
This delivery is in accordance with the contract revealed on 1st July 2022, which includes logistics, training, and simulator provisions. The logistics element encompasses a supply of spare parts and consumables, along with equipment necessary for the ground operation of the helicopters. The training and simulator component comprises extensive training sessions for pilots and technical staff, alongside the provision of a suite of advanced simulators and educational gear.
The Polish Ministry of Defense’s initiative is anchored in localized production through PZL-Świdnik, the primary contractor responsible for system integration of the helicopter and specific armaments. Through local manufacturing, Poland not only acquires cutting-edge helicopters but also establishes a domestic logistics hub and technical facilities situated near the Polish Ground Forces. This shipment signifies the rapid response of PZL-Świdnik as a contractor and long-time local industrial partner of the Polish Armed Forces. PZL-Świdnik, a Polish entity entirely owned by Leonardo, will also offer maintenance services for these helicopters and upgrade them according to the operator’s future requirements.
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, remarked: “The advanced AW149 helicopter signifies a transformative advancement in true multirole operations and scalability, effective fleet management, and rapid emergency response capabilities for contemporary armed forces. The localization of industrial and logistical resources for these new helicopters tailored to Poland’s demands leverages the well-established and distinct competencies of PZL-Świdnik, combined with the exceptional operational prowess of the AW149, ensuring unmatched benefits for the nation.”
Jacek Libucha, President of PZL-Świdnik, stated: “With comprehensive abilities in helicopter design, development, customization, and maintenance, PZL-Świdnik reaffirms its leadership and the continuation of its over 70-year heritage by establishing crucial milestones for the Polish aviation sector. As a former military officer experienced both domestically and through international missions, I possess an even deeper sense of fulfillment in my responsibilities leading PZL-Świdnik. I am confident that the AW149 will satisfy the Armed Forces’ high-end requirements and provide them with top-tier combat support. This is the very purpose for which this platform has been engineered.”
