PZL-Świdnik to supply 32 AW149s to Polish military

The new fleet of multi-role helicopters will by used by the Polish military to carry out a range of mission types, including troop transport, air support, casualty evacuation, combat search and rescue and the transport of goods and supplies.

Leonardo added that the helicopters’ configuration will include observation systems, small arms, guided and unguided rockets, missiles and self-defence systems.

The contract was announced on 1 July and is subdivided into ‘logistics’, ‘training’ and ‘simulator’ packages.

Complementary systems for helicopter training and support

The logistics package includes the provision of spare and consumable parts, as well as the supply of equipment for the ground handling of the helicopters.

Meanwhile, the training and simulator packages respectively include the comprehensive training of pilots and technical personnel, and the delivery of a set of advanced simulators and training equipment.

The aircraft will be delivered between 2023 and 2029. To accommodate for the order, Leonardo has confirmed that it will ‘undertake further investments in its Polish facilities, in addition to the €1 billion it has ‘already invested since 2010’.

Leonardo says this investment will enable ‘domestic production’, as well as the establishment of a ‘logistic base and thorough technical support’ for the aircraft.

PZL-Świdnik was previously awarded a €380-million contract to supply four AW101s to the Polish military in May 2019.