In a ceremony held at the 25th Air Cavalry Brigade in Tomaszów Mazowiecki, the Polish Land Forces officially received their first two AW149 helicopters. This momentous event marked the entry of these advanced helicopters into service just 15 months after the contract signing.
The AW149 helicopters for Poland come in a specialized configuration designed to handle combat support missions and meet the rigorous requirements of the Polish Armed Forces. This configuration includes advanced features such as observation systems, small arms, guided and unguided rockets and missiles, and self-defense systems. Depending on the variant and configuration, these helicopters can carry armament in the cabin or on external hardpoints.
This delivery follows a comprehensive contract, announced in July 2022, which covers logistics, training, and simulator packages. The logistics package includes a stock of spares and consumable parts, as well as equipment for ground handling. The training and simulator package provides thorough training for pilots and technical personnel and includes advanced simulators and training equipment.
The Polish Ministry of Defence’s program leverages localized production through PZL-Świdnik, the prime contractor responsible for integrating the helicopter’s systems and dedicated armament. This not only equips Poland with state-of-the-art helicopters but also establishes a domestic logistics base and technical facilities in proximity to the Polish Land Forces. PZL-Świdnik, a Polish company wholly owned by Leonardo, will provide support services for these helicopters and ensure they are modernized according to the operator’s future requirements.
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, highlighted the significant advancements of the AW149 helicopter, stating that it provides substantial multirole mission capabilities, efficient fleet management, and rapid emergency responsiveness for modern armed forces. The local production of these helicopters, tailored to Poland’s needs, is a testament to the collaboration between PZL-Świdnik and the AW149.
Jacek Libucha, President of PZL-Świdnik, expressed his conviction that the AW149 will fulfill the high-end needs of the Polish Armed Forces, providing top-tier combat support capabilities. The AW149 represents a milestone in the Polish aviation industry, combining advanced technology with the heritage and expertise of PZL-Świdnik.
For more information, hit the Source below