Poland to buy 32 modern helicopters for army

Poland is set to order 32 AW-149 multi-role military helicopters to upgrade its fleet, officials have announced.

Mariusz Błaszczak.

PAP/Mateusz Marek

The contract will be signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak on Friday, Polish state news agency PAP reported.

Tomorrow, July 1, Polish deputy PM will sign a contract with PZL Swidnik for the delivery of 32 AW149 helicopters together with a logistics package and a training and simulator package for delivery in 2023-2029. https://t.co/ZzlBWzoEfM

— Defense-Aerospace (@DefAeroNews) June 30, 2022

A product of Italian defence contractor Leonardo Helicopters, the AW-149 is manufactured at Leonardo’s Polish factory, PZL Świdnik, officials said. 

The machines are expected to be delivered to the Polish army between 2023 and 2029. 

Multi-role military helicopters

Designed to carry troops and provide air support, the AW-149 is also equipped to conduct evacuation, search and rescue missions in combat conditions, as well as transport cargo and supplies. 

Flying at a top speed of 313 kph, the helicopter has a range of 958 km and maximum endurance of 4 hours and 55 minutes.  

The AW-149 has a two-person crew and can transport up to 19 soldiers, the PAP news agency reported.

The new machines are set to replace the Polish army’s older equipment, such as the Mi family of helicopters, according to officials.

(pm/gs)

Source: PAP, leonardo.com