Polish National Police order two more Black Hawks

The contract for the two S-70i rotorcraft was finalized at a meeting between Janusz Zakrecki, PZL Mielec President and General Director, and Polish National Police Commander-in-Chief General Inspector Jarosław Szymczyk.

In addition to the aircraft themselves, the contract includes a logistical support package that will cover spare parts, pilot and maintenance specialist training, and ground support equipment.

The aircraft will be delivered by the end of 2024, and will be used to fulfil important mission roles, including search and rescue, border patrol, counter-terrorism operations, as well as for aerial firefighting and disaster response support, in collaboration with the State Fire Service.

The National Police currently operates a fleet of three S-70i Black Hawks, delivered by PZL Mielec between 2018 and 2019.

“We were very keen on a multi-role helicopter due to the fact that in 2016, Polish police were entrusted with tasks in the field of counter-terrorist activities, which is why the purchase of Black Hawks was an absolute necessity,” Police Commander-in-Chief Gen. Insp. Jarosław Szymczyk said during the ceremony. “The [Black Hawks] we use are very reliable. I am convinced that the employees of PZL Mielec put their hearts into them, thanks to which they serve us so well.”

PZL Mielec is also working to deliver 32 S-70i Black Hawks to the Philippine Air Force, under an order placed in February.